Biggar Branch Sk. Genealogical Soc. - Recently Updated Pages

Library: Introduction

rwchambe — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 14:41:35 CDT

Welcome to the catalogue of the resources in the Biggar Branch SGS Library.

Additions of Biggar Branch SGS Library
June 2009

Irvine, Sherry & Obee, Dave, Finding Your Canadian Ancestors - A Beginners Guide,
ancestery publishing, 2007, ISBN 13:989-1-59331-316-6
$23.95

Lynch, Daniel M. , Google Your Family Tree Unlock The Hidden Power of Google,
FamilyLink.com, Inc., 2008, ISBN: 978-0-9820737-1-1
$54.50

$

The Independent Newspaper Collection 1913 to 1950

rwchambe — Fri, 22 May 2009 12:40:06 CDT

The following is a listing of the newspapers missing from the collection of newspapers on microfilm at the Biggar Museum & Gallery between 1913 and 1950 inclusive.

1913 - March 13 missing.

1914 - October 8 missing.

1915 - March 11 & March 25; April 1, April 8, April 15,April 22 and April 29; May 6 and May 13; July 29; September 30; October 7, October 14, October 21 & October 28; November 4, November 11, November 18 & November 25; December 2, December 9, December 16 & December 30 missing.

1916 - January 6 & January 13; March 23; July 27 missing.

1917 - January 4 filmed out of sequence.

1918 - January 24; May 9, May 16, May 23 & May 30; June 13, June 20 & June 27; July 4, July 11 & July 18, August 15 & August 28; September 12, September 19 & September 26; October 3, October 10, October 17, October 24, & October 31; November 7 & November 14; December 5, December 12, December 19 & December 26 missing.

1919 - October 9 and December 25 (or may not have been printed) missing.

1920 - July 29 and August 12 missing.

1921 - February 17 missing. April 21 had birth announcements but newspaper damaged; April 28 to end of the year the newspapers are missing.

1922 - complete run of newspapers.

1923 - only January 4 issue, balance of the year missing.

1924 - January 10, January 30, Oct 2 and November 6 missing.

1925 - complete year missing.

1926 - January 7, January 14, February 18, March 4, April 22, April 29 and December 2 newspapers missing.

1927 - July 14 missing.

1928 - complete run of newspapers.

1929 - March 7 and March 14 missing.

1930 - complete run of newspapers.

1931 - July 23, October 15, November 19 missing. Not many births were reported in 1931.

1932 - March 17, September 22, November 17 and November 24, December 8 and December 22 missing.

1933 - no newspapers preserved.

1934 - April 12 and July 27 missing.

1935 - January 10, March 7 and March 23, April 18, May 30, June 13 and June 20, July 18, November and December missing.

1936 - complete.

1937 - February 18 and February 25, March 4 and March 25, April 22, July 1, September 30 missing.

1938 - no newspapers preserved.

1939 - June 1 and June 8 missing.

1940 - January 18, October 17 and October 24 missing. February 1 and February 8 were filmed out of sequence after February 29.

1941 - April 3, June 19 and September 18 missing.

1942 - March 12, May 14, July 2, July 23 missing, August 6 some pages missing and September 17 missing.

1943 - April 22 and April 29 missing.

1944 - October 28 missing.

1945 - August 2, and August 10 missing.

1946 - January 17th newspaper is dated January 10th, August 22 missing.

1947 - July 3 missing, December 18 and 25 missing or not published.

1948 - August 5 and December 30 missing or not published.

1949 - May 26 and October 6 missing.

1950 - February 23, November 30 missing and December 28 missing or not published.

Prepared by Rae W. Chamberlain

Biggar Root Booster Newsletter

rwchambe — Wed, 13 May 2009 15:46:28 CDT

This page is a topic heading for the Biggar Root Booster newsletter. Each issue of the newsletter will be posted by its Volume and issue Number on a separate page. You may click onto the link below or go to the navigation box and click onto the Volume and Number you wish to read.

Volume 14, No. 1, Winter 2008

Volume 14, No. 2, Spring 2008

Volume 14, Nos. 3 and 4, Summer /Fall 2008

Volume 15, No. 1, Winter 2009

Volume 15, No. 1

rwchambe — Wed, 13 May 2009 15:45:38 CDT

Biggar Root Booster

Newsletter Biggar Branch Saskatchewan Genealogical Society

Volume 15, No1. Winter 2009

2008 - The Year in Review

The Biggar Branch SGS has been in existence for 23 years. Membership in 2008 was 11. Ten regular meetings were held with the average attendance at a meeting of 3.1 members. During the year Marj Hawes a longtime member and a longtime secretary of the Branch passed away.
No workshops were held at our monthly meetings, but we had several good discussion sessions and aided our members with their personal research. Last fall we advertised a ‘Beginners Workshop’ but there was no interest.

We published a Winter, Spring and a combined Summer/Fall issues of our newsletter, The Biggar Root Booster, with a total of 12 pages. Topics this year included: Annual Report - The Year in Review, The Wreck of the Steamer John B. Lyon September 1900, SGS Seminar ‘08 - A Report, Biggar Branch SGS Members Attend Re-opening of SGS Library & Research Room and Office, New Research Guides, Biggar Encyclopaedia, Biggar Museum & Gallery Selects Community Centennial Project, A Nation’s Chronicle: The Canada Gazette - Canada’s official newspaper now online, Launch Announcement for the Second World War Service Files, Popular Websites.
Electronic copies of our newsletter in PDF format were sent to 15 of the 19 other SGS Branches. We received electronic copies of the Regina, Saskatoon and Weyburn Branch newsletters. A hard copy of each was placed in our library and electronic copies were forward to our branch members. We also exchange our newsletter with the Quesnel Branch British Columbia Genealogical Society.
We continued to work on the Biggar Heritage Album during 2008. Several pages were added to the album.

No new publications were published during the year. We continue to offer 8 publications for sale. They are available from the Branch by mail or can be purchased in the gift shop at the Biggar Museum and Gallery. Rae continues his project of extracting the births, deaths and marriages from The Independent for the period 1951 to 1960. This period probably has the most vital record events reported in the newspaper of any time period.

We updated our obituary index to include 2008 but did not go to full scale publication. A copy of the index for 2006 to 2008 was donated as a manuscript to the Biggar Museum & Gallery and the Saskatchewan Genealogical Society. This index series now covers from 1984 to 2008, twenty- four years.

Marj Hawes extracted data for the SRI of the obituaries from The Independent from 2002 to 2007. These are now part of the online SGS databases. The Branch plans to continue with indexing the obits from The Independent for the SRI.

A Biggar Branch business card was created and left at the museum. They have visitors and are able to refer them to the Branch.

We took advantage of one of the SGS book sales and purchased several books and magazines for the Branch.

We promoted the Branch by taking out a one page ad in the Town & Country Days passport.

The Branch made a donation to the SGS in memory of Marj Hawes and another donation to the SGS Projector Fund. The projector has been purchased and was put to use at the 40th Anniversary Conference.

We received several written queries and also answered several queries on behalf of the Biggar Museum & Gallery. Most seem rather astonished at what we were able to find.

We have a website: http://www.biggargenealogy.wetpaint.com Our newsletter is now also published on the site without the ads.

SGS 1994 vs 2008
Since the Saskatchewan Genealogical Society is celebrating its 40th Anniversary in 2009, I thought it would be interesting to see how the Society has changed in the past 15 years. Data is based on the 1994 and 2008 annual reports.

I’ve included data on the SGS membership and its programs. What is particularly interesting is to see how the SRI, cemetery and obituary programs have grown over time. Also make note of how the demands on the SGS Librarian have changed over time as well and how much the collection has grown.

1994 --- 2008
Membership 1,138 --- 849
Members in SK communities 178 ---149
Cemeteries Cemeteries/burial grounds 2,492--- 3,422
Recorded cemeteries 1,340 --- 2,420

Education
Workshops SGS Library 24 none

People 252 none
Workshops outside library
Workshops 60 50
People 1,600 1,192
Obituaries unknown 750,000
SRI
Sources registered 242 606
Records in database 659,000 2,853,485
Library Visitors 5,055 2,760
Circulation 63,667 49,969
Responses to email none 3,700
Packages of books mailed 1,175 363
Phone calls for info 1,140 3,600
Research requests filled 161 281
Books 15,841 21,031
Microforms 22,808 35,728
Maps 197 587
Videos 8 10
CD Rom’s None 42

1916 Canada Census
Manitoba, Saskatchewan & Alberta
The 1916 census is now indexed and available to patrons at your local family history centre via AncestryInstitution.com login. You may also access the census with a subscription to Ancestry.ca

FamilySearch Indexing Projects
FamilySearch has many indexing projects underway. You can find out what is being indexed by visiting http://www.familysearchindexing.org/projects/current_projects.jsf

Completed indexes are free to the public and can be searched at FamilySearch.org (go to Search Records and then Record Search pilot). Click onto a country shown on the map and a list of completed projects will appear. The United Kingdom shows up under Europe. Russia appears under Asia. Click onto the "blue text" for a description of the records and whether they have been indexed or only have images loaded. Under Europe there are indexes or record images for the United Kingdom, Czech Republic, Norway, Germany, Spain, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, France, Ireland and Netherlands. The site is worth visit.

British Newspapers 1800-1900
Lookings for British newspapers online? Go to: http://newspapers.bl.uk/blcs/dispBasicSearch.do?prodId=BLCS&userGroupName=blcsuser. This site has newspapers from 1800 up to 1900. It is a fee based website and you can check to see what newspapers it has for the area you are interested in. You can buy a 24 hour pass for ^6.99 allowing you to view up to 100 articles or a seven day pass with 200 article views for ^9.99.

Batoche
Everyone with family roots going back to Batoche will want to read the latest book written by Ms. Diane Payment. Her latest book is titled The Free People Li Gens Libre A History of the Métis Community of Batoche, Saskatchewan.
Bill Robertson of the Star Phoenix did a review of the book in the Weekend Extra section on May 9, 2009. The book is published by the University of Calgary Press, $29.95.
Google
Everyone at one time or another has used Google to do a web search. Depending upon what the search terms that are used for the search a search may yield hundreds of thousands or a million hits.

In the Google search box next time you use Google type in Google Help and you will be lead to the Goggle Help Centers "to learn the ins-and-outs of Google products and solve any problems you encounter." Take the time to browse the site

Google is a wonderful web tool, but users must take the time and use the helps to learn how to use Google to its full potential.

Biggar Encyclopaedia
Check out the new content in the Biggar Encyclopaedia at:
http://www.biggarencyclopaedia.wetpaint.com

Anyone interested and knowledgeable about the history of Biggar are invited to join the site and contribute content. To contribute content you need to register and submit a writers request. Once you have done that it is easy to work with the wiki website.
Photographs of the past and present are needed of every business and organization that has ever existed in Biggar to tell the story of Biggar. We also have some photos where not all the people in them are identified. Perhaps you can help in this area.

Glenwbow Museum
The Glenbow Museum in Calgary has a online presence with a wonderful collection of old photographs that have been scanned and placed online. In addition to the photographs one can do searches in other collections including the CPR Land Sales. Visit:
http://www.glenbow.org/collections/
Peel’s Prairie Provinces
More of Peel’s collection of the prairie provinces is being digitized and placed online. The website for the collection is: http://peel.library.ualberta.ca/index.html
The Peel collection now has over 10,369 newspaper issues online with 135,502 pages that are full-text searchable. Searches can be made through all or selected newspapers by using the advanced search interface, click on the "Find Newspapers" button at the top.
Henderson's Directories for the prairie provinces are also digitized and online. They include directories for Edmonton, Calgary, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat and Redcliff, Alberta, Winnipeg and incorporated towns of Manitoba, Brandon, Manitoba and Northwest Territories.
***

Announcements

rwchambe — Wed, 13 May 2009 15:21:19 CDT

100 People 100 Years
Biggar Saskatchewan 1911-2011
A Biggar Museum & Gallery project to mark the Centennial of the Town of Biggar.

Click onto the tite above to go to their website to learn more information about the project.

**********************************************
NOTICE

Regular monthly meeting of
Biggar Branch SGS
Wednesday, May 13th, 2009
7:30 p.m.
doors open at 7 p.m.
for members to use our Branch Library

Everyone interested in tracing their
family history is welcome to attend.

Non-members are welcome to attend two Branch meetings
before taking out a membership.

Memberships for 2009
SGS Membership Family $40.00
SGS Membership Senior $38.00
Biggar Branch Membership Fee $5.00

Future Meetings
June 10th
July & August - summer break
September 9th
October 14th
November 11th
December 9th

**************************************

New Library Additons

Cleveland Family History Journal 1987-1988 and 1989-1990 Book

Gloucester F.H.S. No. 40 - 50 1989-1991 and No. 51 - 63 1991-1994 Book

Gloucestershire Family History Society Journal 1995, 1996 and 1997 Bundle

Lincolnshire Family Historian 1985-1989 Book

Lincolnshire Family History Society 1996, 1997 Bundle (4)

The Long Point Genealogist Norfolk County Ontario 1981 - 1986 Book

Oxfordshire Family Historian 1995, 1996 and 1997 Bundle (3)

Punch, Terrrence M., editor, Genealogist’s Handbook for Atlantic Canada Research, New England Historic Genealogical Society, 1989. Book

Tate, W.E. , The Parish Chest, Phillimore, Third Edition, 1983 Book

******************************************************

RESEARCH REQUESTS

Biggar Branch Saskatchewan Genealogical Society

charges $25.00 per name for answering research requests.

Upon receipt of a request the inquirer will be advised the Biggar Branch charges $25.00 per name to answer a research request and upon receipt of the said fee the Branch will carry out the research and issue a report.

Considerable time and effort goes into answering a research request.

We have a good success rate because of the resources

we have assembled over the past 23 years.

All research payment cheques should be made out to Biggar Branch Saskatchewan Genealogical Society and forwarded to Biggar Branch SGS,

P.O. Box 1103, Biggar, Saskatchewan S0K 0M0

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NEW

The Biggar Root Booster newsletter is now posted on this site.

Click on the link.

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NEW

Biggar Encyclopaedia

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Who Do You Think You Are?
One of the American networks will be producing this show.
Watch for further details.

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Volume 14, Nos. 3 & 4

rwchambe — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 15:25:56 CST

Biggar Root Booster

Newsletter Biggar Branch Saskatchewan Genealogical Society

Volume 14, Nos. 3 and 4 Summer/Fall 2008

Biggar Museum & Gallery

Selects Community Centennial Project

The Biggar Museum & Gallery is excited to announce it has selected a community project - One Hundred People, One Hundred Years, Biggar, Saskatchewan 1911 to 2011, to mark the Centennial of the Town of Biggar in 2011. The project, the publication of a book telling the story of the one hundred people, who had an impact upon our community during the last 100 years. These are the people who shaped and nurtured our community, our children, our aged, our spiritual needs, our healthiness, our intellect and our community spirit for a century. Some of these Biggarites you never knew, but you heard stories about what they did for the town and its citizens. The book will be published for 2011.

It is being called a community project because it is up to Biggar residents past and present to nominate those they feel worthy to be included in the book. Organizers are hopeful the nominations will cover all the decades. There are some individuals who’s dedication and commitment to their cause crosses several decades.
The Biggar Museum & Gallery is now accepting registrations for nominations. Written nominations must tell what the person did to make himself or herself worthy of the nomination. The submission should also include some biographical information but nothing that invades the individuals right to privacy. Entries should be 1,500 words or less. Whenever possible, submit a photograph of the person being nominated as the photograph will be published along with the essay.

Deadline for nominations is May 15, 2010. Please do not wait for the deadline.
The project is limited to the first one hundred entries registered and which are then followed up with the nominations papers being submitted to the Biggar Museum & Gallery before the deadline. All submissions become the property of the Biggar Museum & Gallery Our volunteers would like to have the nominations in as early as possible so that the project may be completed before they become involved with other activities connected with the Centennial. Our volunteers have busy lives, so it is important everyone cooperates to make this project a great success.

Project brochures with writer’s guidelines, registration form, etc. are available for pick up at the Biggar Museum & Gallery and soon on the museum website at:
http://www.bigmusga.sasktelwetsite.net

If you have any questions contact the Biggar Museum & Gallery.

Please tell all your relatives and friends who are now living elsewhere about the project.We expect they will have people who they will want to nominate.If you are going to nominate someone please fill in the registration form that comes with the writer’s guidelines and drop it off or mail it to the Biggar Museum & Gallery so a record can be kept of the people being nominated but whose nomination isn’t yet filed with the museum. You may check with the museum to find out if the person you want to see nominated has been nominated to avoid duplication.

Let’s show our community spirit and make this community project a legacy to the centennial of the Town of Biggar.

***

A Nation's Chronicle: The Canada Gazette Canada's official newspaper now online

OTTAWA, May 13, 2008 _ Library and Archives Canada (LAC) is proud to announce the launch of the first in a series of websites dedicated to opening its vaults and sharing more of Canada's documentary heritage online. This week, a new website, entitled A Nation's Chronicle: The Canada Gazette, was launched making the entire Canada Gazette available online for the first time.

Often referred to as "the official newspaper of the Government of Canada," the Canada Gazette has been an important instrument in the Canadian democratic process for more than 160 years. It has informed Canadians of the operations of government and encouraged them to participate in the legislative process.

While current issues of the Gazette are now available on the website of the Canada Gazette Directorate, the online database of LAC's web site will allow access to all issues dating back to the very first, published in 1841. The database presently contains approximately 30% (almost 300,000 pages) of the total Canada Gazette, including images taken from microfilm, microfiche and rare original copies of the Gazette held at Library and Archives Canada. The digitization of this material is still underway, but in the fall of 2008 the earliest issues of the Gazette, from 1841 to 1950 will be added . By spring 2009, all issues of the Canada Gazette will be accessible online.

Launch Announcement for the Second World War Service Files Library and Archives Canada (LAC) is pleased to announce the launch of a new online database, Second World War Service Files: Canadian Armed Forces War Dead.
Through this online database, researchers can access references to the service files in the Department of National Defence Fonds (RG 24) for the members of the Canadian Armed Forces who lost their lives during this conflict. Over 1,159,000 men and women served in the Canadian Armed Forces during the Second World War (1939_1945) and 44,093 people lost their lives.

The database is available at: www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/databases/war_dead/index_e.html

Library and Archives Canada gratefully acknowledges the contribution of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, without which this project would not have been possible.
About the Commonwealth War Graves Commission

Established by Royal Charter in 1917, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission pays tribute to the 1,700,000 men and women of the Commonwealth forces who died in the two world wars. It is a non_profit_making organization that was founded by Sir Fabian Ware. Since its inception, the Commission has constructed 2,500 war cemeteries and plots, erecting headstones over graves and, in instances where the remains are missing, inscribing the names of the dead on permanent memorials. Over one million casualties are now commemorated at military and civil sites in some 150 countries.

About Library and Archives Canada
Library and Archives Canada collects and preserves Canada's documentary heritage, and makes it accessible to all Canadians. This heritage includes publications, archival records, sound and audio_visual materials, photographs, artworks, and electronic documents such as websites. The Canadian Genealogy Centre includes all physical and online genealogical services of Library and Archives Canada. It offers genealogical content, services, advice, research tools and opportunities to work on joint projects, all in both official languages.
The contributions of many LAC staff were instrumental in the success of this project, and their efforts are much appreciated. For more information, please contact Sylvie Tremblay, Chief, Canadian Genealogy Centre at cgc_ccg@lac_bac.gc.ca.

Popular Websites

Saskatchewan Genealogical Society http://www.saskgenealogy.com

Saskatchewan Homestead Index http://www.saskhomesteads.comIf you have anyone who homestead in Saskatchewan this is the site to search for the homestead file.

Saskatchewan Genealogical Indexes https://www.isc.ca/VitalStatistics/Genealogy/vsgs_srch.aspx NEW ADDRESS Free searchable online databases for births more than 100 years ago, deaths more than 70 years ago, currently only includes deaths prior to 1917 and marriages more than 75 years ago to come in the future.

CanGenealogy http://www.cangenealogy.comA useful site with lots of Canadian links.

Library and Archives Canada http://www.genealogy.gc.ca This site includes many online searchable databases, census records and passenger ships lists which are viewable online.

Automated Genealogy http://www.automatedgenealogy.com- has indexed Canadian Census Records

Our Roots http://www.ourroots.ca - scanned books which include local histories - search by "Subject"

FamilySearch - FREE mega site. http://www.familysearch.org Family History Library, Salt Lake City website. Be sure to search the locality catalogue.

Cyndi’s List http://www.Cyndislist.com- a site with links to over 263,150 website. Grouped in categories.

World Gen Web Project - links to Countries, States/Provinces which participate in the World Gen Web Project. World-wide coverage. http://www.worldgenweb.org

GENUKI UK & Ireland Genealogy http://www.genuko.org.uk - great site with information for UK and Ireland.

Scotlandsland People - subscription site with records for Scotland http://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk

Irish Genealogy http://www.irishgenealogy.ie

Access to Archives The English Strand of UK Archives Network http://www.a2a.org.uk

Free BMD http://www.freebmd.rootsweb.com - a free site where volunteers are transcribing the Civil Registration index for births, deaths & marriages of England and Wales from 1837 to early 1900's.

RootsWeb http://www.rootsweb.com - a megasite - include family trees, message boards, databases, world wide covereage.

Ancestry.com http://www.ancestry.com - commercial subscription website. Major content is for United States, but they have databases for Canada, England, Germany, Australia.

findmypast.com http://www.findmypast.com - commercial, subscription or voucher website. British website with passenger ship lists indexed from 1890 to 1960. Also have census records indexed. Some indexes not complete. Also one may view the original Civil Registration Indexes and Will Indexes.

Nanaimo Family History Society Passenger List Indexing Project http://www.members.shaw.ca/nanaimo.fhs - society indexing Canadian Passenger Ship Lists.

inGeneas http://www.ingeneas.com - indexing includes early passenger ship lists arriving in Canada and Canadian Immigration Records

Castle Garden http://www.castlegarden.org - searchable database for the United States first immigration centre for 1830 to 1892 for passengers arriving in New York.

Ellis Island http://www.ellisisland.org - searchable database of Immigration centre for passengers arriving in New York from 1892 to 1954.

Ontario Cemetery Finding Aid http://www.islandnet.com/ocfa database with other 2 million burials in Ontario.
FEEFHS Federation of East European Family History Societies http://www.feefhs.org - has some databases and maps

***

Beginners Workshop

rwchambe — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 11:54:34 CDT

Skeletons In The Closet?

Biggar Branch Saskatchewan Genealogical Society

Presents

Tracing Your Family History Workshop

Wednesday, October 15

Wednesday, October 22

& Wednesday, October 29

7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Resource Centre Biggar Branch SGS

2nd Floor Post Office

Fee $15.00

Please register ahead with Rae at 948-3638

Over the three sessions participants will learn about the basic tools,

techniques and resources to search for their ancestors.

Sessions will include hand-on activities.

Volume 14, No. 2

rwchambe — Tue, 27 May 2008 12:24:01 CDT

Biggar Root Booster

Newsletter Biggar Branch Saskatchewan Genealogical Society

Volume 14, No. 2 Spring 2008

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

SGS Seminar ‘08 - A Report

by Rae W. Chamberlain
The thirty ninth annual SGS Seminar is over for another year. Even though Seminar 2008 was in the spring this year participants had to contend with snow. In 1991 at the fall seminar in Prince Albert there were a few of us who got storm stayed . This time Prince Albert didn’t get the worst of the storm as it was farther west at the Alberta border. The venue for the seminar was the Masonic Lodge on 15th Ave. Accommodation arrangements were left up to the attendees with no hotel designated as a host.

The Masonic Lodge was established in Prince Albert in1876. In the early years there were several lodges within Prince Albert, but now there is only the one. On the lower level there were numerous portraits and photographs and other memorabilia on display. The main room was furnished with some beautiful historic oak and oak and leather furniture.

Registration was straight forward and quick. On the lower level they had a couple hundred items displayed that were donated by Prince Albert businesses or SGS members as a fund-raiser for the seminar. Everyone was offered a chance to buy tickets to drop into a container beside an item and hope there name would be drawn later.

The weekend was kicked off Friday evening with a talk titled "History Underground: A story History of Early Prince Albert" which told the story of uncovering of a historic cemetery during the construction of the Saskatchewan Forest Centre Building in 2004, the archaeological survey and excavation and uncovering how this all tied into the early history of Prince Albert. This was followed by a time to socialize and take in the SGS Silent Auction or browse the SGS sales table.

A well stocked continental breakfast Saturday morning was sponsored by Conexus Credit Union and Sunday morning Remco sponsored a hot breakfast with scambled eggs, pancakes, sausages and bacon. A representative from Conexus spoke to everyone Saturday morning. On Sunday, a speaker from Remco made a presentation on memorialization with examples from today and 4000 to 5000 years ago. Everyone doing memorialization needs to put much thought and to take time to chose a memorial that reflects the personality and life for whom you are creating the memorial.

Did You Know?
SGS Library Collection
is valued at
$ 347,281.00

Consists of 20,858 books
1,271 microfilms
34,499 microfiche
585 maps
10 videos
37 CD’s
Source 2007 SGS Annual Report

The Prince Albert Branch chose to go virtual with some the speakers this year. This meant the speakers stayed home and presented their topic by high speed internet service. For the most part, apart from a couple of small delays, this worked extremely well and I think, was well received. There was a moderator on hand who made contact with the speaker and dealt with any problems that came up. The speakers all made Power Point presentations which were projected from a projector onto a large screen via a laptop computer. The speaker himself controlled the visuals. The sound was excellent. The only drawback was on some of the visuals the text was too small to read, but when capturing screens off the net you have to work with what you are presented with. At the end of the presentation, there was time for questions. Questions were relayed to the speaker via the moderator. Virtual speakers included Paul McGarth of Toronto, who is noted for his role on the family history television show Ancestors in the Attic on History Television; Paul Blake of London, England; Sanda MacLean Clunies of Derwood, MD; Debbie Parker Wayne of Cushing, Texas and John Wiley of Grand Prairie, Texas. In person presenting topics, they had Lisa Rudolph of Saskatoon; Leverne Baxter of Christopher Lake, a Prince Albert Branch member; their own Nancy Carswell of Shellbrook, Sask, and Linda Monahan of Prince Albert and Christina Krismer of Regina, the SGS Education Coordinator. One speaker, unfortunately was not able to be present so those who had registered for that session were accommodated in another session of their choice for that time period.

The SGS Annual Meetings was held after lunch on Saturday afternoon. Certificates were presented to various people who had competed the requirements in the education program. Several donors to the SGS Moving Fund were presented with certificates of appreciation.

The SGS Heritage Award was presented to Leverne Baxter of Christopher Lake. Elections were held. Lindy Kasperski of Regina was elected by acclamation as President, Joyce Carlson and Colleen Slater-Smith were elected to the board with one board position unfilled. The Board will be filling the position by appointment.

Family History!

Biggar Branch

Saskatchewan Genealogical Society

Box 1103

Biggar, SK S0K 0M0

Branch Contact: Rae Chamberlain

306-948-3638

Visit our website:

http://www.biggargenealogy.wetpaint.com

Biggar Branch SGS Membership Benefits

receive the quarterly newsletter Biggar Root Booster
borrow books and magazines from Branch library
use of microfiche collection
experience and knowledge of other members to assist you researching your family history
educational workshops
gain knowledge on local genealogical resources for Biggar and area
special projects
network with other genealogists
keep abreast of the latest developments in the field of genealogy
advice on genealogical internet websites & sources

Biggar Branch SGS Members Attend

Re-opening of

SGS Library & Research Room and Office

by Rae W. Chamberlain

Several members of the Biggar Branch made the trek to Regina on May 2nd to attend the re-opening of the SGS Library & Research Room and Office. We were in Regina in time for lunch, then we headed over to the library. There was parking available on the side streets for two hours and two hour metre parking along 11th Ave., but I decided to go to the Impark on the north end in the block of the library building. There was also an Impark a block or so west on 11th Ave. If one is staying in the Regina Inn or Ramada the new location is within a short walking distance. Except I think, I would walk up Broad Street to11th Ave rather than go up Osler Street to 11th Ave. The new Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites at 1907 11th Ave is a short walk west of the new library. In the vicinity is Casino Regina and the Cornwall Center.

The library is in a well lite room.Through a door off the research room is the very nice staff offices and a space for the SGS volunteers to work. There is lots of room between the aisles for browsing the library stacks. Everything is well marked and the system they used for shelving the books is easy to use once one knows how it has been done. I had the opportunity to try out the computerized library catalogue. One could search the catalogue several ways. Much, much better - quicker and easier, to find stuff than searching the lists that are posted on the SGS website or searching through all the library lists that have been published each quarter in the Bulletin. Hopefully sometime in the future they will able to make the catalogue available via the net or on a CD.

If there are any Biggar Branch members interested in borrowing some books or periodicals from the library and are not sure of what to ask for just drop Celeste an email or give her a call and advise her where you are researching, what it is you are wanting to know and she will send you some books and periodicals to help you along with your research. If there are some specific periodicals of interest to you, advise Celeste and she will put your name on the mailing list so as the specific periodicals become available they will be circulate to you.

At 2p.m. the Executive Director, Linda Dunsmore-Porter and incoming President, Lindy Kasperski spoke a few words. The SGS Past-Presidents present were introduced and then asked to come forward and assist with the ribbon cutting. Members and guests circulated about, many delving into the books looking to make a discovery. This was followed by a social hour.

The SGS Library & Research Room and Office have settled in a much better space. Do plan on making a visit. The staff will orientate you for using the library and offer any assistance they can. There are many gems hidden away on those library shelves. Your ancestors may be in a book that is sitting on the shelf.

We left Regina before 4p.m., made a stop for supper and arrived back in Biggar about 8:45 p.m., just over 12 hours after we had left.

Biggar Root Booster

Now on Website

The first issue of our newsletter for this year has been placed on our website at http:biggargenealogy.wetpaint.com with no ads. I had trouble with some of the linefeeds being stripped away and not being able to restore them. So some of the formating of this issue is not to my liking. Further issues will be added to the site as they become available. Some of the ads may be added with this newsletter.

Release of 1916 Census

Watch the Library and Archives Canada website for the release of the 1916 Census for the provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta sometime after June 1st. It is not known at this time in what form we will be able to access this census.

National Archives Conference

Canadian Council of Archives National Conference will be held in Regina May 24-25, 2008. All archives users are invited to attend. It will be interactive and informative with visits to several archives in the Regina area. Visit http://www.archivesconference.ca for more information. You can view the program and register online.

Biggar Encyclopaedia

A website for a Biggar Encyclopaedia has been set up at http:biggarencyclopaedia.wetpaint.com to tell the story of our town and its people in the format of the twenty-first century. This is a collaborative undertaking where anyone knowledgeable, or interested in preserving Biggar’s history can participate. It is set up in the ‘wiki’ format so the website allows for the participation of many not just one individual or editorial team. Anyone can contribute content by registering and submitting a writers request to the administrator. It is hoped the encyclopaedia will develop into a successful project to mark the Town of Biggar’s Centennial in 2011.

New Research Guides
Press Release May 2nd, 2008
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH -
FamilySearch announced today the release of two new free research tools that will help those with British and Scottish roots to find their ancestors. The research guides, Finding Records of Your Ancestors, England, and Finding Records of Your Ancestors, Scotland feature easy-to-follow instructions, colorful graphics, and removable worksheets. Free copies can be viewed, downloaded, or printed online at FamilySearch.org.
The guides will help take the guesswork out of British and Scottish genealogical research by simplifying the process and giving users a specific, proven strategy to use. In an inviting workbook style, the guides show users which records to search, what to look for, and what tools to use. The steps and tools needed to navigate British and Scottish historical records to find ancestors are colorfully outlined.

Finding Records of Your Ancestors, England and Finding Records of Your Ancestors, Scotland, are the latest additions to the popular series of free online publications. The guides are designed for those who have already gathered some family history information about their British or Scottish ancestors and are ready to search public and private records——they are must-have reference tools for researchers of British or Scottish genealogy.

The guides explain different types of records in England and Scotland and instruct the user when and how to use specific records. Real-life case studies allow readers to see for themselves how the research process works. Expert search tips, including tips on how to use the Family History Library Catalog, are included. Also included are maps, key dates in British and Scottish histories, and guides for reading respective genealogical records.

Other guides in the Finding Records of Your Ancestors series include African American, Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Italy, Jewish, Mexico, Norway, and Sweden.

***

Research Policy

rwchambe — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 21:42:25 CDT

Biggar is home to the Biggar Branch Saskatchewan Genealogical Society and its members are actively involved in preserving and documenting our local heritage. As a result the Biggar Branch SGS has a unique collection to assist researchers uncover their family history in the Town of Biggar and surrounding area.

The Branch offers two research services:

1) A basic search of local sources

and

2) Canadian National Railway

Seniority List Search

RESEARCH POLICY

Basic Search

The Biggar Branch of the Saskatchewan Genealogical Society
will do a basic search of local sources of one name for a
$25.00 Fee.

Sources included in a basic search are:

1) Cemetery Recordings:

Biggar Cemetery
Rosemount Cemetery
Landis Cemetery
Monarch Cemetery
Cochery Cemetery
Cando Cemetery (inscriptions only)
Ruthilda "new" Cemetery (inscriptions only)
R.M. of Glenside Cemeteries
Church of God Cemetery
Crane Creek United Church Cemetery
Emmanuel's Evangelical Gemeinde Lutheran Church Cemetery
Lizard Lake Cemetery
Lizard Lake Russian Baptist Cemetery (Old)
Lizard Lake Russian Baptist Cemetery (New)
St. Bridget's Anglican Church Cemetery, Baljennie
St. Michael's Ukrainian Orthodox Church Cemetery, Crane Creek
Spinney Hill Cemetery
Old Spinney Hill Cemetery
Stoney Crest Mennonite Cemetery
Private & miscellaneous burials

2) Biggar School Register Index 1910 to 1924
3) Biggar School Register Index 1925 to 1929
4) Biggar School Register Index 1930 to 1935
5) Canadian 1911 Census for the village of Biggar
6) Town of Biggar Census - 1912, 1915, 1919, 1924, 1929 & 1945
7) Births, Deaths, Marriages from The Independent 1913 to 1920
8) Births, Deaths, Marriages from The Independent 1921 to 1950
9) Local histories from the Biggar area
10) Biggar area undertaker records
11) Obituary Index The Independent, Biggar from 1984 to 2005
11) Index of the retirees honoured by the Biggar Terminal Retirement Association from 1946 to 1992
12) If a specific date of an event is known birth, marriage or death, we will search The Independent, Biggar, SK from 1913 - 2005.

** NOTE:
Not all editions of the

newspaper are available.

You will receive a written report of the research, noting all sources checked and any information found. Return postage is included. The research is done by knowledgeable local volunteers. If you require a more extensive search, we can supply you with the names of people who could do this.

* Research policy subject to change. *

Canadian National Railway

Seniority List Search

The Biggar Branch Saskatchewan Genealogical Society will do a search in their entire collection of seniority lists for one name for a fee of $25.00 and a specific search in one named seniority list for $10.00.

1) Canadian National Railways Mountain Region C.A. W. Agreement 5.1 Consolidated Senioritiy List March 21, 1991 to December 17, 2003
2) Canadian National Railways Prairie Region C.A.W. Agreement 5.1 Consolidated Seniority List April 1991 to January 1993 and December 1995
3) Canadian National Railway Grand Trunk Pacific Railway Western Lines Biggar division Seniority List of Sectionmen January 1st, 1921
4) Canadian National Railway Western Region Seniority Standing of Conductors, Trainmen, Passenger Trainmen, Yardmen and Yardmaster, June 30, 1956
5) Canadian National Railway Locomotive Engineers Prairie Region 7th District 1970 Seniority List Index
6) Canadian National Railways Western Region Seniority Standing of Freight, Passenger, Trainmen and Yardmen Effective January 1st, 1942
7) Canadian National Railway Western Region Saskatchewan District Agents & Operators Seniority List December 31, 1961
8) Canadian National Railways Western Region and Duluth, Winnipeg & Pacific Railway, Pacific Great Eastern Railway Seniority Lists of Dispatchers, Train Movement Directors, Telegraphers, Towermen, Telecommunications Department Employees Published May 1st, 1968
9) Canadian National Railway Seniority List Agents and Operators Mountain Region As Of January 1, 1975
10) Canadian National Railway Dispatchers Seniority List Mountain and Prairie Regions As At January 1st, 1977

You will receive a written report of the research, noting all sources checked and any information found. Return postage is included. The research is done by knowledgeable local volunteers. If you require a more extensive search we can supply you with the names of people who could do this.

* Research policy subject to change. *

Send all research requests to:

Biggar Branch SGS

P.O. Box 1103

Biggar, SK S0K 0M0

All cheques or money orders should be made out to " Biggar Branch SGS."

Working to preserve the heritage of our community

Volume 14, No. 1

rwchambe — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 16:39:59 CDT

Biggar Root Booster
Newsletter Biggar Branch Saskatchewan Genealogical Society

Volume 14, No. 1 Winter 2008

Annual Report - The Year in Review

2007 marked the 22st year of existence of the Biggar Branch SGS. In 2007 the Biggar Branch had thirteen members and held 10 regular meetings, with average attendance at a meeting of 4 members. During the year, one longtime member moved away.

No workshops were held at our monthly meetings, but instead we focussed on aiding our members with their own personal research. We held a three part Beginners Workshop on October 16, October 23, and November 7. Six people registered for the classes, but in the end four attended the classes. The classes were a mix of instruction and "hands on" activities using the resources the Branch has in its library. Rae was the instructor. The workshops did not result in our Branch attracting new members.

We published four issues of our newsletter, The Biggar Root Booster, with a total of 16 pages published for the year. Topics included: The Year in Review, Wikipedia for Tracing Your Ancestors, Ukrainian Archives, Passenger Ship Lists, Ancestry Announces Major Additions to Canada Collection; Biggar Branch Updates Biggar Cemetery Recording; Library and Archives Canada and Ancestry.ca Unveil Strategic Partnership at Ontario Genealogical Society Annual Seminar, Domestics Brought to Canada, Ancestry Online Community Creates More Than 275 Million Profiles and 3 Million Family Trees In Last Year, Federation and Findmypast.com Online Partnership, Biggar Branch SGS ‘wiki’, The United Church of Canada Archives Finds a New Home, World Cat. We advertised our publications in the newsletter and used some Biggar historical facts as fillers.

Electronic copies of our newsletter in PDF format were sent to 15 of the 19 other SGS Branches. One of the Branches had indicated no interest in receiving our newsletter and for three others we do not have an email address. So if there is any SGS Branch out there who is not receiving our newspaper and would like to get a copy please forward your email address to our email address which is published in the Bulletin.

We received electronic copies of the Regina Branch newsletter and a hard copy was placed in our library.

We continued to work on the Biggar Heritage Album during 2007. Several more pages have been completed and placed in the albums.

Our publications program continued to expand so that the Branch now has eight publications. During 2007, three new publications came off the press. These being: Births, Deaths and Marriages from The Independent 1941 to 1945, Births, Deaths and Marriages from The Independent 1946 to 1950, and as a result of completing the update of Biggar Cemetery, We produced the Biggar Cemetery Directory with Plot Map . The birth, death and marriage series covers from 1913 to 1950 in five volumes with 349 pages of data. We continued to clip the obituaries from The Independent and plan to publish in manuscript form an index of the obits for 2006 and 2007 in 2008 for a few select institutions and will sometime in the future, after a few more years go to a full scale publication of the information. We already have two books: Obituary Index The Independent 1990 to 2005 and another volume which covers the period 1984 to 1989 so between the publications the index spans from 1984 to 2007. We have hard copies of the obituaries from 1991 to 2005. Copies of all our publications are donated to the Saskatchewan Genealogical Society, Biggar Museum & Gallery and two copies are placed on Legal Deposit with Library and Archives Canada. All of our publications were placed on consignment at the Biggar Museum & Gallery and we continue to receive orders via Coutts Library Services for our publications. - Our Branch brochure, the Basic Search and Canadian National Railway Seniority List Search brochures are placed at the Biggar Museum & Gallery and Saskatchewan Genealogical Society Library. We received two written queries last year and we were successful in providing some new information and confirming information the parties concerned already had. We also answer written genealogical queries on behalf of the Biggar Museum & Gallery, but none were received, but did answer about three telephone queries. The updating of Biggar Cemetery was completed and a electronic copy in SRI format was forwarded to the Saskatchewan Genealogy Society. Detailed printouts were given to the Town of Biggar, Biggar Museum & Gallery and a copy kept for the Biggar Branch library. Completing the update resulted in the Branch publishing a directory with a plot map of the cemetery. We were fortunate to receive a Community Grant from Saskatchewan Lotteries for producing the detailed listing. The grant of $86.00 only covered about half of the costs of the printout. The branch picked up the balance. For the whole cemetery update project, some $64.00 worth of supplies were donated. Thirty or more trips worth $93.45 were made to the cemetery, a minimum of 138 hours were spent compiling, editing and checking data worth over $1041.00, and at a minimum of approximately 118 hours worth $890.00 were spent prior to the project inputting data into the computer from the 1985 recording and creating a plot map of the cemetery. The self-help and volunteer time at a minimum value comes to over $2090.00 for the project. Biggar Branch has these Special Collections:

Town of Biggar Census for 1912, 1915, 1920, 1924,1929 and 1945
assortment of Canadian National Railway Seniority Lists
CNR Retirees honoured by Biggar Terminal Retirement Association 1946 - 1991
births, marriage and deaths from The Independent newspaper 1913 to 1950
Obituary Index The Independent newspaper 1984 to 2006
obituaries on file from The Independent 1991 to 2006
births, deaths and marriages and other notable items from the Landis Record newspaper 1916, April 27 to 1937, August 25th, not indexed
2 collections of Biggar undertaker records, indexes
1911 Canadian Census Index for Village of Biggar
cemetery recordings for cemeteries in the R.M. of Biggar including the Town of Biggar, R.M. of Glenside, Landis, Cando and Ruthilda.
1881 Canadian Census Index
HOME CD
International Research Directories & the British Isles Genealogical Register
basic ‘how to" books and research papers for Saskatchewan, Canada, United States, United Kingdom, Europe and Scandinavia

The Branch donated $130.00 to the SGS Moving Campaign, which amounts to $10.00 per Branch Member. We issued a challenge via our newsletter to the other SGS Branches to match or better our contribution based on the $10.00 per capita.

We donated a copy of Tracing Your Saskatchewan Ancestors: A Guide to the Records and How To Use Them to the Reading Room at the Biggar Museum & Gallery.

We expanded our library collection purchasing 6 publications: Tracing Your Aboriginal Ancestors in the Prairie Provinces; Tracing Your Saskatchewan Ancestors, 3rd Edition; Births, Deaths, Marriages from Regina Leader 1914 ––1916; Ukrainian Genealogy - A Beginner's Guide; Genealogical Research Directory 2007 and The Scottish Family Tree Detective. Four of the six were purchased from the Saskatchewan Genealogical Society.

Last fall, Rae set up a website for the Branch using the ‘wiki’ format with wetpaint.com at no cost to the Branch. The site is paid for with Google Adsense Ads. The web address is http://biggargenealogy.wetpaint.com The site includes our Branch Library Catalogue, sources available for research at the Biggar Museum & Gallery, announcements, some local history, our research services, links to other websites, including the SGS page and a list of local history books for our area which are online. The website is worth the effort alone for publishing our Branch Library Listing online for our members.

At the Legion Awards Night in November, Rae was presented with a "Certificate of Appreciation" by the Royal Canadian Legion, Biggar Branch for his efforts in assisting the Legion identify the graves of Legion Members at the Biggar Cemetery and for including a symbol on the map in the Biggar Cemetery Directory with Plot Map to identify the grave of "One Who Served This Country".

In November, long time Branch Member, Marj Hawes celebrated her 90th Birthday and the Branch extended its congratulations. Marj was our Branch Secretary for many years.

The Wreck of the Steamer

John B. Lyon

September 1900
The Wreck of the steamer John B. Lyon of Lake Erie, September 11, 1900 as told by David Thomas Brown of Lot One Concession Two, Moore Township, Second Engineer the only ships officer that survived of a crew of 14, eight perished, to his only surviving son Harry S. Brown.

The John B. Lyon was built in the quayle shipyard in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1881. She was of wood constructions over a steel frame. She was 256 feet long with a beam or width of 42 feet and depth of 20 feet. She had twin smoke stakes set athwartships or crosswise of the ship. She had a web of stays between the smoke stacks which gave her the name of a spider boat. She belonged to the Gilchrist fleet. She was powered by a steeple quadruple expansion engine which means there were four cylinders hooked up in tandem one above the other. A very unusual power plant being the only one of that type that I have ever heard of. Steam being supplied by two fitzgibon two fire boilers.

The Lyon was only 19 years old when she met her doom on wild lake Erie at a point approximately ten miles north north west of the town of Girard, Pennsylvania. The time of the end approximately 2.00 a.m., September 11, 1900.

The Lyon and her barge, the W.A. Georger had loaded iron ore at Marquette, Michigan. After a normal passage down the lakes, she dropped her barge at Ashtabula, Ohio, while the Lyon’s destination was Cleveland, Ohio, 25 miles further west. However, as chief engineer Charles Willous of Cleveland, had complained of the poor quality of coal she was burning. Captain Senghas of Marine City, Michigan. It was decided to go further east to Conneaut, Ohio, upon arrival at Conneaut there was no fuel available, but there was fuel available at Erie, Pennsylvania, another 70 miles further east so the Lyon headed for Erie and disaster. As there was no weather forecasts in those days Captain Senghas had no way of knowing that a hurricane had struck far away in Galveston, Texas, a couple of days earlier causing terrible damage and taking the lives of 1,500 people. This storm was now about to strike lake Erie and take 8 more lives. As the Lyons was steaming along somewhere between Conneaut and Girard, Pennsylvania, she started to feel the effects of the dying hurricane. Some of her timbers were groaning from effect of the rapidly rising seas. She soon developed a bad leak somewhere in the cargo hole. Two of the deck hands volunteered to go into the cargo to see is there was anything they could do. They never returned. At this point, I will try to narrate the story as Dad told it to me.

I went on watch at midnight the water was rising fast, the Captain called all hands and it was decided to work her closer to land but it was a losing battle and we all knew it. Captain Senghas left the bridge in charge of the mate and came below to prepare as best as he could for the coming disaster. It was found one deckhand had no lifebelt . The Captain removed his and put on the deckhand, the deck hand survived, the heroic Captain perished. At this time it was agreed that Captain Senghas would stay at the engine room door or companionway and Chief Engineer Willous would stay at the fire room door to call the firemen when the time came. After the Chief Engineer, a fireman came off watch at midnight he shaved and put on his best clothes and came below to say goodbye to my firemen and I. When I asked him why he was all dressed up he replied if I am going to be a corpse I might as well be a good looking one. Shortly before 2.00 am a hatch cover let go so now the ship was taking water from the broken hatch as well as through the bottom. Captain Senghas tied his wife and the Chef’s wife to a hatch plank. At about 2.a.m. he shouted for me to come up at once as she was down by the head and was sinking. I made it up to the deck alright. My fireman did not make it when I saw the water coming up the deck for a moment I was scared but when it got to my feet I was determined to try as hard as I could to survive as I had a wife and then month old daughter at home. The suction drew me down for a few terrifying seconds when I came to surface I was in a mass of floating wreckage, I got my face into the wind and climbed over most of it, I found a step ladder that had been nailed to wall of the after cabin and a hammock and a couple of short timbers which I managed to tie together with some rope into a make shift raft. At this time I saw a length of spar or mast come above a wave with a man clinging to it. It was the Chief Engineer’s fireman, he had been back aft on the fantail deck by the main mast when she went under. Part of the fantail deck floated away with part of the mainmast fastened to it the firemen climbed up and managed to tie himself to it and washed ashore in about four hours. The Captain’s wife and the Chef’s wife also were ashore in about four hours, both their husband’s perished. The waves where huge and each one had a comber on top six to ten feet high. I had to hold my breath as I went through each one. It was terrible. With the coming of daylight the seas started to abate during the forenoon. I twice sighted a tug that was looking for survivors but was not able to attract their attention. Late in the afternoon, I sighted a red building on a hill so I left the raft and started swimming toward it. I finally made it to shore when I passed out about 6.00pm. Two men found me. I thought they were cruel as they made me stand up and my legs hurt but by the time we got to the red building which was a saw mill I could walk again. The cook in the saw mill gave me a bowl of black coffee to drink. I thought, I had never tasted anything as good as it was. They put me to bed and I slept for twelve hours. It was a terrible ordeal. The next day, I saw the other survivors. I asked the Chief’s firemen what he was going to do. He said I am going to get as far away from the great lakes as I can. I might not be lucky again. He must have gone a long way for I never heard of him again.

Chief Engineer, David T. Brown the Old Chief, or old Davey the Chief, he was called by his crew on the Alexander Leslie his last ship, he must have been a good Chief for he had the same crew for seven ears but they almost all volunteered for naval service in World War Two. He tried to go too, but they turned him down because of his age.

The old Chief lived for 42 years after this terrible ordeal. To me his last surviving son he was the last Engineer that ever opened the throttle on his main engine and got his ship under way. I am glad he was such a good swimmer or I would not be her to tell about this terrible ordeal. He sailed away on his final voyage on July 1, 1942 at the age of 69 years, 8 months. May he sail on forever on tranquil seas with our Blessed Lord and Saviour at the helm.

He left all of us a great legacy, of honesty, integrity and bravery.

Signed - Harry S. Brown.

Library: United States

rwchambe — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 16:24:07 CDT

UNITED STATES - ARCHIVES AND LIBRARIES
Directory of American Libraries With Genealogy or Local History Collections
P. William Filby, 1988, 319 pages

UNITED STATES - ARCHIVES AND LIBRARIES
Going To Salt Lake City To Do Family History Research
J. Carlyle Parker, 1989, 84 pages

UNITED STATES - ARCHIVES AND LIBRARIES
The Library Of Congress A Guide To Genealogical And Historical Research
1990, 381 pages

UNITED STATES - CENSUS
1920 United States Census Research Guide

UNITED STATES - CENSUS
How to Use the US Census (Video)
Family History Library, Salt Lake City
[$5.00 U.S.]

UNITED STATES - CENSUS - INDEXES
Accelerated Indexing Systems United States Census Indexes (on Microfiche)
Family History Library, Salt Lake City, 1992, 4 pages
[Free]

UNITED STATES - GENEALOGY
Ancestry's Red Book
American State, County & Town Sources
edited by Alice Eichholz, 1992, 858 pages

UNITED STATES - GENEALOGY
The Researchers Guide To American Genealogy
Val. D. Greenwood, 1990, 609 pages

UNITED STATES - GENEALOGY
Research Outlines
U.S. (general), 50 states & D.C.
Family History Library, Salt Lake City
United States Outline, 52 pages, 1988
Also a Research Outline for each STATE
[In Black Binder] [$10.00 U.S.]

UNITED STATES - GENEALOGY
The Handbook For Genealogists
United States of America - 8th edition
326 pages plus MAPS

UNITED STATES - HISTORY
Strangers To These Shores: Race and Ethic Relations
in the United States
Vincent Parrillo, 1985, 547 pages

UNITED STATES - INDEXES
United States Social Security Death Index
Family History Library, Salt Lake City, 1994, 4 pages
[Free]

UNITED STATES - LAND AND PROPERTY
Using Land Records To Solve Research Problems
Wendy L. Elliott, 6 pages

UNITED STATES - MAPS
Genealogical Atlas of the United States
George B. Everton Jr., 1966, 120 pages

UNITED STATES - MILITARY - INDEXES
Family Search
Military Index Resources Guide, 1994, 1 page
Family History Library, Salt Lake City
[Free]

UNITED STATES - MILITARY RECORDS
Research Outline
U.S. Military Records
Family History Library, Salt Lake City, 1993, 39 pages
[$ .50 U.S.]

UNITED STATES - VITAL RECORDS
Where To Write For Vital Records

UNITED STATES - ILLINOIS - FULTON COUNTY - PERIODICALS
Fulton County Historical and Genealogical Society Newsletter
Volume XIV, No. 2, April 1983
Volume XIV, No.3, July 1983
Volume XIV, No. 4, October 1983
Volume XV, No. 1, January 1984
Volume XV, No. 2, April 1984

UNITED STATES - ILLINOIS - KNOX COUNTY - SALEM TOWNSHIP - CEMETERIES
Cemetery Records Knox County Illinois Salem Twp.
Knox County Genealogical Society, Galesburg, Illinois
n.d., 115 pages

UNITED STATES - ILLINOIS - KNOX COUNTY - MAQUON - HISTORY
History of Maquon and Vicinity 1827-1976
edited by Maquon Historical Assn. 1976, 256 pages

UNITED STATES - ILLINOIS - KNOX COUNTY - TAX LISTS
1855 Tax Lists Knox County
by Carley Anne Robinson
Knox County Genealogy Society, Galesburg, Illinois, n.d., n.p.

UNITED STATES - ILLINOIS - KNOX COUNTY - GENEALOGY
The Report
Journal of the Ohio Genealogical Society
Volume XXI, Number 1, Number 2, Number 3, Number 4, 1981
Volume XXII, Number 2, Number 3, Number 4, 1982

UNITED STATES - ILLINOIS - KNOX COUNTY - HAW CREEK TOWNSHIP - CEMETERIES
Cemetery Records Knox County Illinois Haw Creek Twp.
Knox County Genealogical Society, Galesburg, Illinois
n.d., 128 pages

UNITED STATES - ILLINOIS - KNOX COUNTY - INDIAN POINT TOWNSHIP CEMETERIES
Cemetery Records Knox County Illinois Indian Point Twp.
Knox County Genealogical Society, Galesburg, Illinois
n.d., n.p.

UNITED STATES - ILLINOIS - KNOX COUNTY - MAQUON TOWNSHIP - CEMETERIES
Cemetery Records Knox County Illinois Maquon Township Twp.
Knox County Genealogical Society, Galesburg, Illinois
n.d., n.p.

UNITED STATES - ILLINOIS - KNOX COUNTY - CENSUS RECORDS
Census of 1840 Knox County, Illinois, Volume 1
Knox County Genealogical Society, Galesburg, Illinois
c.1973, 19 pages

UNITED STATES - ILLINOIS - KNOX COUNTY - PERIODICALS
Knox County Genealogical Society Quarterly
Volume 1 c 1973 to Volume 14, No. 2, June, 1986
ISSN 0741-7284
Includes various records and lists.

UNITED STATES - ILLINOIS - KNOX COUNTY - VITAL RECORDS
Index to Death Records 1878 - 1910 Knox County Illinois
Knox County Genealogical Society, Galesburg, Illinois
n.d., 136 pages

UNITED STATES - ILLINOIS - STARK COUNTY - PERIODICALS
Stark Co. Il. Genealogical Society Quarterly
Volume 2, No. 1, September 1993
Volume 2, No. 2, December 1993

UNITED STATES - NEW YORK - GENEALOGY
Descriptive Inventory Of The New York Collection

UNITED STATES - NORTH DAKOTA - ARCHIVES AND LIBRARIES
Guide To Manuscripts
Compiled by David P. Gray

UNITED STATES - NEW YORK - ULSTER COUNTY - CEMETERIES
Gravestone Inscriptions of Ulster County, NY
compiler Lila James Roney
Stemmons Publishing Company, Salt Lake City, 1987
38 pages plus index

UNITED STATES - NORTH DAKOTA - ARCHIVES AND LIBRARIES
Guide To North Dakota State Archives
David P. Gray, 1985, 151 pages

UNITED STATES - NORTH DAKOTA - SOCIAL LIFE AND CUSTOMS
North Dakota Scene of Hallinglag's
(Photocopy) Interest to those with Norwegian heritage.

UNITED STATES - OHIO - GENEALOGY
Ohio
The Cross Road of Our Nation
Records & Pioneer Families
published by Ohio Genealogical Society
Volume XXII, No.1, Jan/Mar 1981
Volume XXII, No.2, Apr/Jun 1981
Volume XXII, No.3, Jul/Sep 1981
Volume XXII, No.4, Oct/Dec 1981
Volume XXIII, No. 1, Jan/Mar 1982
Volume XXIII, No. 2, Apr/Jun 1982
Volume XXIII, No. 3, Jul/Sep 1982
Volume XXIII, No.4, Oct/Dec 1982

Biggar's First Citizens

rwchambe — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 15:05:11 CST

The biographical sketches are reprinted from Biggar World, Volume 1, No. 1, August 1909.

If any of the readers of this wiki are descendants of any of Biggar' First Citizens and can add to a biographical sketch your contribution is most welcome.

G.T.P. Train Crews

Passenger crews: - Conductors - Robinson and Chesley; Engineer Young; Fireman McMilian; Brakeman - Hobson and Gagne.

Mixed Crews: - Conductors - Haskell and Lett; Engineers - Stonehouse and Keeting; Fireman Featherstone; Brakemen - Robinson and Goldsworthy.

Freight crew and extra engineers: - Conductors - Couzens, Fishleight, Roth, McLelland and Trace; Engineers - Paul, Ross, Wilson, Modland, Weaver, Field, Gall and Baldwin; Fireman Henderson; Brakemen - Wilson, Appleby, Mc Murchy, Gokie, Jenkinson, Dunsmore, Whalen, Leek, McCutcheon and McCray.

Biographical Sketches

Adcock, Geo.
Geo. Adcock, native of Leistershire, England, has been here a year engaged as general oil man.

Annesley, Thomas
Thomas Annesley, car inspector, born near Portadown, county Armagh, north of Ireland, thirty-one years since, has lived in Canada for some years. Came here to present position some months since.

Baiden, A.E.
A.E. Baiden, of the firm of Baiden and McGillvray, contractors and builders, was born in Southampton, England, thirty-five years ago and received his education there. He learned his trade early in life and later followed the calling of sailor for several years. Mr. Baiden worked at different points in the Old Country at his trade and afterward on the Panama Canal and at Kingston, Jamaica, later returning to England and then coming to Canada eight years ago and came to Biggar three months since and formed his present business association. Mr. Baiden is an experienced and capable man and the firm are doing their share of contracting here.

Ballantyne, Alex
Alex Ballantyne, born in Sask. near Battleford, has been here since July engaged as general helper.

Baron, A.L.E.
Proprietor of the Biggar Hotel, is a native of France and was born in the town of St. Laurent, department of Vendee, coming to Montreal, Canada, with his parents when nine years of age. Mr. Baron received an education at the Montreal public schools and later at McGill college. On leaving McGill he went into the general store business in Megantic, Que., and continued in this business for ten years. He later came west to Calgary, prospecting a business location and rumour of the fame of Biggar reaching him he came here last spring and built and furnished the Biggar Hotel. The hotel is well appointed in every particular and is a most comfortable inn - it is a three story building and Mr. Baron proposes to build an addition to his already roomy building for the accommodation of the rapidly increasing business.

Bartley, G.H.
G.H. Bartley, day operator, was born in McLeod, Alberta, twenty years ago and educated there. He commenced to learn operating in 1904 and worked first at McLeod for the C.P.R. and later at Calgary and Cranbrook. He then went across the line and entered the employ of Great Northern at Everett, State of Washington. Mr. Bartley entered on his duties with the G.T.P. at Melville, July 1st, 1908, and in Nov., 1908 came here to his present position. Mr. Bartley is a first-class operator and generally obliging good fellow.

Bates, Wallace E.
Wallace E. Bates is a native of USA and came to this country about three years ago. Up till only a short time ago he was employed with Cunningham and Langstaff. On leaving this position took a position was wipe in the GTP round house.

Bernier, J.
J. Bernier, machinist's helper, came to Biggar May 1909; besides being a first class man as a workman ...?...the best of any ball pitcher in the west and is an all round ball player and good fellow.

Bethel, S.
S. Bethel, of the firm of Bethel, Traviss & Black is a valued member of the business staff of the Rat Portage Lumber Co., Winnipeg, and is at present resident in that city, but is expected here at an early date to take an active part in the Bethel, Traviss & Black stores' business.

Black, E.
R. Black, manager of the drug and general store, of Bethel, Traviss & Black, is a native of Ireland. Mr. Black studied pharmacy at the celebrated Dublin Pharmaceutical College and received his diploma therefrom, passing the qualifying examinations with high honors. On coming to Canada, Winnipeg, six years ago he connected himself with the Thornton Andrew Drug Co., and after three years with them associated himself with Messrs. Bethel and Traviss with a view to the establishment of a business venture in the west, and as a representative of the new firm of Bethel, Traviss & Black, came to Biggar with Mr. Bethel (having heard of it rosy possibilities,) in search of business opening, and they on looking over the field here, and after matured consideration, were led to buy lots and build their present stores, Mr Bethel returning to Winnipeg and Mr. Black superintended the building operations, and he, immediately on completion of buildings, putting in complete stocks of drugs and general store lines. Mr. Black is also postmaster of Biggar (the post office being located in the drug store) and is one of this flourishing town's most progressive business men.

Bone, Wm.
Wm. Bone, car repairer, from Scotland some years since - started work here six weeks ago.

Bredl, George A.
George A. Bredl, the clerk at the Biggar hotel, was born in London, England, twenty-seven years ago. He received a public school education in London and afterward finished his education in Germany. After finishing studies he clerked with the Colonial Brokers, London, for ten years and also had experience of one year and a half on the London Stock Exchange. Mr. Bredl came out to Canada in 1907 and engaged in farming at Thornbury, Ont., for a short time, afterward coming west to Crystal city, Manitoba, and later to Winnipeg and thence to Battleford where he filed on a homestead and pre-emption four miles north of Senlac. Mr. Bredl visited all the towns on the G.T.P. and came to the conclusion that this was the town on this railroad. Mr. Bredl started his duties at the Biggar hotel on the 2nd of August, 1909.

Briggs, J.
J. Briggs has been in this country seven years employed in Fort William on G.T.P. as lineman, from there to here last month and is at present employed as lineman between Allan and Landis.

Campbell, E.
E. Campbell, manager for the Reliance Lumber Co. at this point, came from Walkerton, Bruce Co., Ont., being born there some thirty years ago and receiving this education at that place. Mr. Campbell has had a wide business experience in the east and west and came to Biggar last March as a valued representative of his firm at Biggar. Mr. Campbell, besides being a first-class business man is a ball player of note and a tower of strength to the Biggar baseball team.

Canty, F.J.
F.J. Canty, night operator, was born in little old New York city thirty years ago and educated there. He learned operating and for five years held a position as receiver on the staff of the Daily New York Journal. Mr. Canty later came west to Canada and to Biggar two weeks since. Mr. Canty has had a wide experience in his chosen trade and is first-class man was well as being a jovial good fellow.

Carruthers, G.M.
G.M. Carruthers, machinist, was born in Ottawa, was a railway worker thirteen years and came to Biggar in July 1909. Mr. Carruthers is a first class workman as well as one of those clean cut fellows who do you good to meet.

Chivers, D.
D. Chivers, foreman of car repair department born in England 28 year ago received public school education in Bath, England. After leaving public school he started in at railroad work in London, England, for a year. From there he came to Michigan and worked on a farm for six months and later took up work on the Grand Trunk in Michigan for two years, from there to Missouri, thence to Oregon to British Columbia, thence to Arizona, thence to California and was also engaged in mining work. From California to New Mexico, and also mined there. From New Mexico to Colbalt while the silver fever was on, stayed there awhile and from Cobalt to North Bay and worked on the C.P.R. from North Bay to Schriber, Ont., engaged as engine hostler. From C.P.R. to G.T.P. car inspector at Minniota, Man., for a year and from there to Rivers as car inspector. He came to Biggar from Rivers on the 15th of April and engaged as car repair foreman.

Clark, W.J.
W.J. Clark, car repairer, from Gray Co., Ont., from Melville here a few weeks ago.

Corbin, H.R.
H.R. Corbin, native of USA has been here thirteen months as boiler maker's assistant; came from Boston.

Courtney, A.B.
A.B. Courtney, livery, feed and sale stable, was in general store business (post office connected) in Dorset, Minnesota for 9 years and from there went to St. Paul and later came to Saskatoon five years ago and conducted farming operations near there for some time and came to Biggar in June last, building his livery stable and house here and placing in stock an excellent livery outfit. Mr. Courtney is doing a good and increasing volume of business and is much pleased with this town as a business location.

Cunningham, J. H.
J.H. Cunningham, of the livery firm of Cunningham & Langstaff, was born in Sundridge, Parry Sound, Ont, thirty-four years ago and was educated at Huntsville, Muskoka. He carried on a butcher business for ten years in the east and came west to Winnipeg four years since. Mr. Cunningham engaged in livery business at Glenella, Man., for some time and came to Biggar in June 1908. He filed on a claim near the site of Biggar and built a livery barn in the town and put in a fine stock of horses and rigs. He and Mr. Langstaff formed their present partnership in December, 1908. The firm are prospering in their business and are highly satisfied with their present prosperity and their assured future in this rapidly developing town.

Currie, Wm.
Wm. Currie, carpenter and builder was born at Roorkee, N.W. provinces of India, thirty-four years ago. He received his education in the regimental schools and in Edinburgh, Scotland. He was five years, apprenticed at his trade in Edinburgh, leaving there at the age of nineteen, and came to Brandon working there for four and a half years, later working at his trade in Winnipeg five years. Lived and worked at various points in the west including two years in Peace River country and from there came to Biggar the latter part of last October and worked on round house and station for G.T.P. and this spring went into business for himself here.

Dawson, F.A.
F.A. Dawson, real estate, loans and insurance, spent his childhood days near Sarnia, Ontario, where he received a public school education and afterwards entered Assumption college at Sandchurch, Ontario, and later St. Michael's college, Toronto. After finishing general education in the later two colleges Mr. Dawson took a preparatory course for student at law examination, passing successfully at Osgoode Hall, Toronto, November 1876, and afterwards went into a law office for three years. In 1881 Mr. Dawson came west to Brandon and homesteaded near Souris, Manitoba, and thence east to his home for two years after which he went to Chicago where he lived for eighteen years, engaged in railroad work, and where he now has a beautiful home in the suburbs of the city, and where Mrs. Dawson and the family now reside. Mr. Dawson came to Saskatoon in the spring of 1907 and was on the staff of the Canadian Northern at that point till spring of 1908 when being impressed with the bright future of Biggar, he came here and filed on a homestead and has waited here patiently since till he now sees the fruition of his hopes and confirmation of his judgement in the assured present and bright future of Biggar as a business place. Mr. Dawson was the first postmaster at Biggar and is Secretary of the Biggar board of trade, and energetic in all matter pertaining to the welfare and advancement of Biggar.

Desjarlais, Alex
Alex Desjarlais was born near Regina thirty years ago, afterward living at Swift Current in pioneer days, freighting with the now almost forgotten Red River carts between Swift Current and Battleford. Mr. Desjarlais later moved to Battleford and engaged in farming, and selling out there began ranching operations in the Sixty Mile Bush country a few miles from the site of Biggar. He also placed in stock at his ranch a general line of necessities for farmers and conducted a general store. Mr. Desjarlais bought lots and built in Biggar in May (c1909) of this year and at once bought and placed in stock his general line of groceries, dry goods, etc. and has no reason since to regret this fortunate venture.

Drummond, R.M.
R.M. Drummond, carpenter and builder, is a native of Ontario, being born at Ashton, Carleton, Co, where he received his education and later followed farming for some years. Mr. Drummond learned his trade early in life and is a thorough workman, and worked in Ottawa and other points east for years and came west last September and after working near Saskatoon for some time heard of Biggar and wisely came here and made entry for a homestead and pre-emption during May and has since enjoyed a good patronage in his business as builder.

Elmgren, A.N.
A.N. Elmgren, native of Minn., has been here a week as helper.

Erickson, Ed. H.
Ed. H. Erickson, hardware merchant, was born in Norway forty-four years ago and came to America, Madison, Wis., at the age of nine years. After receiving a public school education Mr. Erickson moved to Deul County, North Dakota, and homesteaded. Later he returned to Wisconsin (Eau Claire) and clerked in the Mill Supply dept. of a hardware store and afterward was in retail hardware business for five year. At La Crosse Wis., and at Winona, Man. Mr. Erickson had charge of sporting goods department in large wholesale concerns and has a thorough knowledge of the hardware business in its different branches. In his capacity as manager of departments in the last named places Mr. Erickson was much on the road calling on the retail trade in the interests of his houses. Later he was engaged for four years in a retail hardware store leaving this situation to seek for a location for a business venture of his own. Mr. Erickson came to Biggar last April and being pleased with prospects for business here he at once bought lots and built his fine store building and installed a good stock and commenced business the middle of May. Mr. Erickson is doing a thriving and ever increasing trade here and has unbounded faith in Biggar, first, last and always.

Findlay, Alex
Alex Findlay, assist machinist, is a native of Edinburgh, Scotland, and been in Biggar two and a half months.

Fisher, J.
J. Fisher, a partner in the above firm (Fisher Bros., bowling alley and pool room), was born at Ayton, Gray County, Ont., March 27th, 1881, and was educated in the east. Mr. Fisher followed farming till twenty years of age. He came to Brandon in 1898 and did carpenter work at different points in western Canada and became proficient in this trade. He holidayed in the east for two years and then the lure of the west brought him to Saskatchewan last spring when he entered into partnership with his brother, E.W. Fisher, in their present business.

Fisher, E.W.
E.W. Fisher, of Fisher Bros., bowling alley and pool room, was born July 3rd, 1897 and lived the earlier portion of his life at Hanover, Gray county, ONT., where he was educated. Mr. Fisher later was connected with lumber milling interests in the east and also acquired a thorough knowledge of carpentering and worked as carpenter and builder in eastern Canada. He came west to Brandon in 1898, working in that vicinity as a bridge builder, and later went to British Columbia and engaged in saw mill work. Mr. Fisher's first venture into business for himself was at Lanigan, Sask., in the pool and bowling alley business, and he later came to Biggar, and in conjunction with his brother, J. Fisher, bought lots here and built a building and installed their very complete bowling alley and pool room outfit.

Fitzgerald, H.
H. Fitzgerald, manager for D. McPhee in the Biggar Trading Company, is from Ireland near the Lakes of Killarney, and came to Canada at the age of eleven years, being educated in Orangeville, Dufferin county, Ont. He went to the States at the age of sixteen years and apprenticed himself to cooking aboard the U.S. battleship Olympia for four years, afterward learning the baking trade at a cost of $500. Mr. Fitzgerald held the position of chef of James J. Hill's private car for four years and afterward came to Canada and cooked for the R.N.W.M.P. in the Yukon. Mr. Fitzgerald afterward went into the restaurant business for himself at Crookston, Minn., and later at North Battleford. He has had a varied and valuable business experience and has gained much useful knowledge of humanity in his wide travels. Mr. Fitzgerald came to Biggar a few months since to take the management of The Biggar Trading Co.'s general store for D. McPhee.

Frease, E.S.
E.S. Frease is the genial and obliging station master (G.T.P) at Biggar. Mr. Frease was born in Ohio, U.S.A. and after finishing his education railroaded on the Wabash, and afterward on different lines in the States. He came to Canada within the last year and was appointed agent here last February. He is a highly capable man in his position and is a most obliging good fellow and is popular with hosts of friends. Mr. Frease is a veritable book worm and is up to the minute in discussing best books and authors and has an inexhaustible fund of anecdotes and as a raconteur is most entertaining.

Fulton, S.
S. Fulton, native of Manitoba, has been in Biggar three months engaged as wiper.

Graham, W.J.
W.J. Graham, International machinery agent, was born at Sturgeon Falls, Ontario, and educated at Lindsay. Mr. Graham at an early age went into lumbering business and was soon a proficient sawyer holding the position of head sawyer in a large Nipissing district mill for thirteen years. He went to British Columbia from Nipissing and there for four years had charge of big mills at a salary of close to $200 a month. Mr. Graham resigned his position in B.C. to go into business for himself at Biggar, the fame of this town having reached him from there, coming here in October 1908 and during March last opened up in the lumber business and International implements at this point. After doing a first-rate business here for four or five months Mr. Graham, having received a tempting offer for his lumber business sold it. Mr Graham was elected councillor on the incorporation of Biggar on June 7, 1909, and is also a member of the council of Biggar Board of Trade and is an active worker in all local public affairs.

Hamel, Phil
Phil Hamel, engine hostler, is a native of the Isle of Jersey and followed the sea in his younger days. He came to Canada in 1876 to Newfoundland and later came west to Medicine Hat where he entered the services of the C.P.R., later graduating as a first-class locomotive engineer. Mr. Hamel came here from Medicine Hat some three months since and entered the employ of the G.T.P. a few weeks since.

McBride, E.
E. McBride, engine hostler was born and educated in Leith, Scotland. After leaving school he learned the packing case trade and stayed with it four years. He then took up construction railroad work for ten years. On coming to this country was employed for six months as a steam shovel fireman on the G.T.P. and later was also employed with J.D. McArthur as a steam shovel fireman for six months. Leaving this and going to Portage la Prairie was employed as machinist's helper for four months. From Portage la Prairie he was transferred to Rivers where he was employed as blacksmith's helper for over a year. From Rivers he came to Biggar last October as machinist helper. From machinist's helper he was promoted to engine hostler about two and a half months ago.

Hanna, W.S.
W.S. Hanna, car repairer, from Johnstown, Dakota, came to Biggar last fall.

Hayward, B.
B. Hayward, native of Sarnia, Ont., has been here only two weeks engaged as machinist.

Horn, J.M.
J.M. Horn, native of Winnipeg, Man has been here only two weeks engaged as machinist.

Helm, John
John Helm, born in England, came here from Earl two months ago and engaged as engineer at power house.

Hogan, J.
J. Hogan, in charge of the G.T.P. lunch counter at this point was born in 1875 near Granton, Middlesex Co., Ont., and received his education there. Mr. Hogan learned the cooking trade in the east and came west to Portage la Prairie, Sept. 1st. 1889, and for some time cooked on the C.P.R., later going to St. Paul and managing the Sterling restaurant there for six months, then returned to Winnipeg and worked at trade till he came here to take charge of the G.T.P. restaurant some two months since. Mr. Hogan knows his business thoroughly which is readily testified to by the travelling public in their hearty appreciation and commendation of the meals and service at the depot lunch counter here.

Holland, Fred
Fred Holland, native of Canada, came to Biggar from Toronto the middle of Dec. last and engaged as boiler maker.

Hopkins, Frank
Frank Hopkins, manager for the North American Lumber & Supply Co. Ltd., is a native of England and was born at Rugby and educated there. He was articled to the architect's and draughtsman trade at eighteen years of age and after learning the business thoroughly, worked at it for seven years on railroad work in England and was later with a large builders' concern in a managerial capacity for two years and then came to New Ontario and was there for six months with the Canadian Copper Co. in mining operations. Mr. Hopkins then came west to Saskatoon and was for twelve months with the Canadian Elevator Co. in the lumber business and then homesteaded near Kinley and came to Biggar, October 19th, last year as the valued manager of the North American. Mr. Hopkins is a member of the committee of the Biggar Board of Trade and is warden in the Anglican Church and an interested worker in all matters pertaining to the advancement of this town.

Jenkins, Bruce
Bruce Jenkins, car repairer, native of Scotland, came to Biggar from
Pincher Creek one year ago.

Kershaw, Wm.
Wm. Kershaw, butcher, was born in Manchester, England thirty-nine years ago, was educated at Farnwith Grammer school for six years. He learned his trade in England and worked at it in that country for fourteen years. Mr. Kershaw afterward ranched and prospected in Australia for three years. He later butchered on board S.S. Ninevah and afterward was in South Africa for a period of time, after which he returned to England for a few months and in 1907 came to America and managed a butcher shop in Manitoba for a year and then came to Saskatoon and homesteaded. Mr. Kershaw then took a contract from Galloway Bros. to do butcher work on the construction of G.T.P. west and later had a butcher shop at Perdue, Sask., for nine months coming to Biggar, Dec. 12th, 1908, and building and entering on his present business here.

King, G.L.
G.L. King, of Mooney and King is a Medicine Hat railroad man, and will likely at a near future date come to Biggar to take active part in the firm's work.

Lobdell, E.
E. Lobdell, machinist came here from the C.P.R. where he learnt his trade. He is a young man of promise in his line as well as a ball player of note and has been eight years railroading.

Lyons, J.R.
J.R. Lyons, a native of Canada, came from Dauphin in the middle of July and has been engaged as engine wiper.

Martin, T.
T. Martin, car repairer, from Portage la Prairie, came here middle of last May.

Mattenley, George
George Mattenley, machinist helper, was born at Gilford, Ontario, twenty-seven years ago and educated there. After leaving school he took up electric work and was with the C.P.R. as electrician for two and a half years. On leaving the C.P.R., in Broadview, Sask., this spring came west and landed in Biggar on the 1st of May.

Matthews, G.A.
G.A. Matthews, manager for P.F. Woolhouse, jeweller, was born at Orangeville, Dufferin Co., Ont., twenty five years ago and received his education there. Mr. Matthews learned watchmaking with A.C. Stanners, C.P.R. watch inspector, in Toronto and is a thoroughly competent man at his business. He worked in Toronto five years and later at Kingston, Sarnia, and Fort William and eventually was C.P.R. watch inspector at Saskatoon, coming to Biggar two months since to manage for P.F. Woolhouse.

McBride, E.
E. McBride, the genial bar man at the Empire, was born at Goderich, Ont., in 1885 and was educated at London, Ont., and came west five years ago and has since been connected with the liquor business.

McConachie, J.
J. McConachie, native of Ontario, Canada, has been in Biggar three months engaged as boiler washer.

McDonald, A.W.
A.W. McDonald, Manager of the Bank of Toronto, at Biggar comes from Winnipeg, and is a highly capable man in his position having had a wide experience in his sphere of business. Mr. McDonald arrived in Biggar on Monday, Aug.??, 09.

McGillvray, J.
J. McGillvray, of the firm of Baiden & McGillvray, contractors and builders was born at Sidney, N.S., thirty years ago and was educated there. He started to learn his trade at the age of eighteen and completed a thorough training in his chosen business, afterward working in his home town for eight years and then got the western fever and came to Winnipeg last August after working there for a short time came to Saskatoon and later to Wainwright, working on the new depot there and afterward came to Biggar three months since and became affiliated with Mr. Baiden in the contracting business.

McLaren, Howard
Howard McLaren, agent for the Massey-Harris implements, comes from Killtey township, Leeds county, Ont., where he attended public school in his youth and later acquired a good business experience at various places in the East and West. Mr McLaren started the first butcher shop in Biggar and later sold to Louis O'dette. In the Massey-Harris implements he is doing a good and every increasing business.

McPhee, D.
D. McPhee, proprietor of The Biggar Trading Co., came originally from Orillia, Ont. Mr. McPhee spent twenty four years of his early life in Toronto and them moving west to Winnipeg followed railroading in Manitoba and later in British Columbia, returning to Winnipeg in 1908. He came through here on the location of the G.T.P. line and in the spring of 1908 built a store on the prospected townsite of Biggar and installed a general store stock, also running a restaurant. Mr. McPhee is the pioneer merchant of Biggar.

Meek, W.R.
W.R. Meek, of the general store of Meek & Urquhart, is from Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia where he received his education and considerable valuable business training. He later came west to Medicine Hat and entered the employ of the C.P.R. and after three years with that corporation, when having become acquainted with Mr. Urquhart - they having some idle capital entered into partnership with the object of locating in business in the west. They heard of the bright future of Biggar and together came here on a prospecting journey last September. They are highly satisfied with conditions here and after returning to Medicine Hat, Mr. Meek, as the firm's representative came again at once to Biggar and bought property and built their store building and installed an excellent and varied line of general merchandise. From the first the firm's business under Mr. Meek's able management has been a lucrative one and the volume of their business rapidly increasing. Mr. Meek is Vice-President of the Board of Trade and was returned as councillor at the first election after the incorporation of Biggar. He is a sterling business man and on the alert constantly toward the welfare of this thriving town.

Miller, H.H.
H.H. Miller, proprietor of the Biggar Square Deal refreshment store, was born McGillvray township, Middlesex, Co. Ontario, on May 17, 1877. He was educated in the east and farmed afterward till twenty years of age. Mr. Miller was connected with the street railway company of London, Ontario, for five years as conductor and then started to learn cutting trade in a big ladies' costume store in London - was dissatisfied with that sphere of work and after a year came west to Saskatoon and was attached to the staff of the Canadian Northern Railway for a year and came to Biggar and homesteaded in June, 1908, later establishing himself in his present business in Feb. 1909. Mr. Miller is treasurer of the Biggar Board of Trade and in his store is doing a thriving and daily increasing business.

Mooney, A.W.
A. W. Mooney, member and manager of the hardware firm of Mooney and King, was born in Minden, the county seat of Haliburton, county, Ont. Mr. Mooney was educated in the east and in his early manhood came west to further his ambitions, and at Cranbrook, B.C., on the C.P.R., entered on a career of railroading as best suited to his active temperament. his course was speedily upward in his chosen avocation, and in record time he successfully passed his examination qualifying him as a locomotive engineer, taking his first engine at Cranbrook, later running out of Medicine Hat, where he built a modern residence and with Mrs. Mooney and their children made their home. He and Mr. King, having some money for investment and seeking a location for the establishment of a business pooled their capital and formed their present partnership, and hearing favourable reports of Biggar and district, Mr. Mooney, representing the new firm came to this place to investigate, arriving here on March 20th, 1908, and was so favourably impressed with Biggar and a business opening that he immediately erected a building and installed a comprehensive stock of hardware in the firm's commodious store. They have since added furniture and harness to their stock and do tinsmithing in all its branches, having in charge of this department E. Klump, a thoroughly experienced and competent tinsmith. The firm is doing a big volume of business and are highly satisfied with the destiny that brought them here. Mr. Mooney is well informed and well read man, not having neglected the cultivation of his mind in the pursuit of his railroading career. On the 7th of June, 1909,on the incorporation of Biggar, Mr. Mooney was elected unanimously as overseer, the highest dignity in the gift of the town. He is also a member of the council of the Board of Trade and is a public spirited man and one of the most energetic local workers in the exploitation and advancement of Biggar.

Mullholland, George
George Mullholland, born in Winnipeg, here about three months, engaged as engineer at the power house.

Neil, C.
C. Neil, proprietor of the Empire hotel, was born in Quebec and followed lumbering interests in his early days, afterward farming in the province of Quebec, and came to Manitoba in 1899. Mr. Neil acquired big farming interests near Boissevan, having at that point a section of land under cultivation. Before coming to Biggar, Mr. Neil bought and installed bowling alley and pool room fixtures at Prince Albert where he lived for a year, coming here and buying Fisher Bros' interest in the Empire hotel and entering into partnership with Mr. Heather, later buying the latter out. Mr. Neil has made many improvements to the hotel since coming here and The Empire is an up-to-date and well appointed hostelry and is a credit to the town of Biggar.

Nicholson, W.
W. Nicholson, native of Paisley Scotland, came to Biggar eighteen months ago and engaged as blacksmith helper.

Ormrod, J.G.
J.G. Ormrod, proprietor of the Ontario house, was born near Ottawa, Ont., fifty years ago and received his education there. He farmed in the Ottawa Valley many years and also sailed on lake vessels between Sarnia and Duluth for four years. Mr Ormrod was in the agency business for some little time for musical instruments and sewing machines and later came west to Biggar in Aug., 1908 and made entry for homestead and pre-emptions six miles south-west of town. Mr. Ormrod is a member of the council of the Board of Trade and secretary of the school committee and one of the pioneers of Biggar and is active in all public affairs for the town's betterment. Mrs. Ormrod was the first women to honour Biggar with her presence.

Osborne, J.S.
J.S. Osborne, carpenter and builder was born at Woodstock, Ont, and lived there sixteen years, receiving his education there. He afterward went to Hamilton and managed a farm there for two years, thence going west to Gladstone, Man., where he engaged in farming operations. Mr. Osborne returned to Ontario after three years in the west and worked as cabinet maker in a large pipe organ manufactory and afterward three years in the east at general carpenter work, acquiring a thorough knowledge of the trade. He then again came west to Medicine Hat, Alta., working at the trade there for five months, when, hearing of the valuable lands available at Biggar for homestead entry, came here the 22nd of September 1908, filing on a half section of choice land near town and now is prospering here greatly in the contracting and building business.

Pambrun, Fred
Fred Pambrun, of the Biggar Meat Market, was born in Saskatchewan at Lac Le Bische twenty eight years ago. Mr. Pamburn followed the avocation of farming for seven years near Battleford, afterward coming to the sixty Mile Bush near Biggar, and followed ranching (horses and cattle) for the past five years, doing exceedingly well. About two months ago he purchased the butcher business of Louis O'Dette and is doing an excellent trade and is satisfied with his investment.

Peeling, H.
H. Peeling, manger for Alex Desjarlais, in his general store, was born and educated in London, England. He learned the silversmith trade and later was in the retail liquor business at different points in England. Mr. Peeling came to Manitoba seven years ago and after farming there a year went west to Battleford six years since and homesteaded there, coming here last May to take his present position as manager for Alex Desjarlais.

Porteous, Geo. C.
Geo. C. Porteous, house painter and decorator, is from Edinburgh, Scotland. Mr. Porteous, after attending school some years in his native town, apprenticed with James Kitchen, one of Edinburgh's foremost decorators, and served six years with the master, assimilating a thorough knowledge of every detail of the painting trade. Mr. Porteous, after working at his trade in the old world for a couple of years, emigrated to Canada - coming to Eastern Canada (Hamilton, Ont.) afterward coming west to Saskatoon, and arriving in Biggar the 31st of March and established himself as its pioneer houses painter and decorator.

Rea, C.E.B.
C.E.B. Rea the assistant agent at this point, was born in Londonderry, Ireland on April 5th, 1880. He was educated there and later learned the trade of electrical engineer. He came to Edmonton May 24th, 1902 from Ireland and travelled extensively in the north in the capacity of fur buyer for two years and later came to his present situation here July 1st, 1909. Mr. Rea's Irish extraction endows him with a ready wit and good nature which
are valuable adjuncts to the successful discharge of his duties.

Redfern, Harvey M.
Harvey M. Redfern, a native of eastern Canada, came here from Collingwood last August and has since been engaged as night store keeper.

Robinson, Ben
Ben Robinson, native of York, England, came to Biggar from Saskatoon last November and engaged as blacksmith.,

Rothwell, Jack
Jack Rothwell, proprietor of the Biggar bakery, was born in Ontario twenty-six years ago, where he was also educated. Mr. Rothwell started to learn the baking business in Toronto and worked there two years and came to Biggar about two months since and established his present prosperous business here.

Sang, Ma
Ma Sang, Laundry man and cook, came to this country twenty-three years ago. For twenty years he was in B.C. at various trades. Three years ago moved to Edmonton and only four months ago came here from there.

Shephard, Frank
Frank Shephard, boiler maker, was born in England and later coming to Canada, came from Rivers to Biggar twelve months ago in his present capacity.

Smith, D.
D. Smith, native of Scotland, has been here about a year engaged as pipe fitter.

Squirrel, F.G.
F.G. Squirrel, of the Biggar Cafe is a native of "merrie" England, being born in Surrey County, near Croydon. He came here two years ago and homesteaded eleven miles west of Biggar and moved into the town the first of April, this year and built and opened up in his present business.

Stacey, H. G.
H.G. Stacey, catechist in charge of the English church at Biggar, is a Welshman by birth, born in the town of Neath, Glamorganshire, South Wales. Taking a keen interest in religious work he commenced preaching at the age of seventeen years, finally determining to devote his life to the preaching of the Gospel, offered himself to the Church Army (a society connected with the Church of England) and was accepted. After nine months' training on various Mission Vans, entered the training college in London, there completing the training necessary for mission work and passing the Bishop of London's examination received the bishop's license and commission as a captain of the church army and was appointed officer in charge of the London (west) Diocesan mission van and remained in charge nearly five years engaged in various kinds of mission work, Parochial, Navy and Hoppicking Missions, also assisting in Soldier's and Workhouse Missions. Through a breakdown in health he was transferred to the social department of the above society and was appointed relieving officer to the labour homes scattered over England.

Receiving the call for work in the great north-west he applied for work in the Canadian Mission Field and was accepted by the Bishop of Saskatchewan for work in that Diocese, arriving at Prince Albert September 30th, 1908 and was appointed assistant to the Rev. Mr. Schofield, B.A., at Maymont, and after nearly three months was removed to Wainwright, being finally appointed to organize the church at Biggar. The work here has developed rapidly and thanks to grants from Ireland and the S.P.C.K., and also to the generosity of the inhabitants of Biggar, a church has been erected and services are well attended.

Staples, S.J.
S.J. Staples, M.D, C.M., comes from Victoria County, Ontario, near Kirkfield, where he received his public school education, later matriculating at Lindsay Collegiate Institute. Mr. Staples then entered Trinity Medical College at Toronto and after the amalgamation of Trinity and Toronto Medical College, in due course with honours, attained his M.D., C.M. diploma from Toronto Medical College, graduating class of '05. Dr. Staples practised in the east and west for three years when he received appointment as surgeon for the Grand Trunk Pacific at this point. Dr. Staples is President of Biggar Board of Trade and one of the most energetic workers for the betterment and expansion of Biggar.

Stoddard, Ernie
Ernie Stoddard, boiler maker, was born in Halifax, NS and came to Biggar the 10th August 1908, from Rivers and has since been employed in shops here.

Thompson, J.E.
J.E. Thompson, carpenter and builder was born at London, Ont., forty years ago and was educated there. Mr. Thompson followed farming for some years in the east and later learned his trade thoroughly. He came west five years ago and farmed and worked at the building trade near Dundurn and came to Biggar and made entry for homestead and pre-empting in May last.

Tilley, H.
H. Tilley is a native of England and came from Holland, Man. to Biggar and homesteaded. Later he took up railroad work as a watchman.

Tivy, R.B.
R.B. Tivy is twenty-seven years old - was born in Galway Ireland and came to this country nine years ago. Mr. Tivy started his railway life two and a half years ago for the G.T.P. and with locating parties came to Biggar as storekeeper in August, 1909.

Toy, Mah
Mah Toy & Lee Wah, proprietors of the Canadian restaurant, are from China and have been in this country many years and have acquired the language and adopted the customs of this country. They have had much experience in the restaurant business in many cities of Canada and settled in Biggar some three months since as a promising location for a restaurant business.

Travis, F.
F. Travis, of the above mentioned firm, also is in a position business on staff of the Rat Portage Lumber Co. at Winnipeg, and enjoying thoroughly his business integrity the fullest confidence of his business associates.

Urquhart, W.
W. Urquhart, member of Meek & Urquhart, general store, is a railroad man at Medicine Hat and comes from Sidney N.S. Mr. Urquhart is expected here shortly to take an active part in the firm's business.

Wah, Lee
Mah Toy & Lee Wah, proprietors of the Canadian restaurant, are from China and have been in this country many years and have acquired the language and adopted the customs of this country. They have had much experience in the restaurant business in many cities of Canada and settled in Biggar some three months since as a promising location for a restaurant business.

Watson, R.G.
R.G. Watson, relieving station agent here during Mr. Frease's holiday trip to the States, is a native of Ontario, having been born in Ayr, Waterloo county. Mr. Watson is one of the pioneer railroad men of western Canada, having come to Winnipeg in June 1878, shortly after taking a position on the C.P.R., which he held for sixteen years. He severed his connection with the C.P.R. some six years ago and has since been in the service of the G.T.P. Mr. Watson is thoroughly conversant with his business in every detail and by his uniform courtesy in the discharge of his duties has quickly made himself popular with the public of Biggar.

Welter, A.F.
A.F. Welter is from Uncle Sam's country, Devenport, Iowa, and later from Sublimity, Oregon, where he attended school till he moved into Canadian territory six years ago, locating at Humboldt, Sask. There he acquired a first-class business experience with T. McLaughlin, in general store lines. Mr Welter in the spring of 1909 being on the lookout for a good business opening heard fortunately of Biggar's prospects and coming here on April 29th looked the ground over and was so well pleased with the location he immediately bought lots and built his store and installed a first-class general stock of goods, opening for business here the 27th day of May, 1909. One fine morning shortly after Mr. Welter journeyed mysteriously to Humboldt and a few days later returned to Biggar with a charming bride, having been married on the 22nd of June.

Werner, J.W.E.
J.W. E. Werner, the affable genii of the bar at the Biggar hotel, was born in 1882 at Ayton, Gray Co., Ont., and educated there. At an early age Mr. Werner entered a furniture manufactory and learned the trade thoroughly, afterward working at it for six years as a journeyman. Later he was connected with hotel business in the east in a managerial capacity and came west to Biggar in March, 1909, and for a while engaged in contracting and building in conjunction with his father, Louis Werner. On Mr. Baron obtaining license for the Biggar hotel, Mr. Werner stepped into his present position with this hotel.

Werner, E.F.A.
E.F.A. Werner, Biggar's popular barber, was born in Ayton county of Gray, Ont., nineteen years ago. He received a public school education in Durham. From there he went to Newstead where he learned the barbering trade thoroughly. Afterward Mr. Werner learned photography at Mildmay, Ont., and later reverted to the barbering trade at various points in the east and six weeks since came to Biggar and engaged in the barbering here. Mr. Werner is a member of the Biggar brass band and is deservedly popular with his many friends here.

Werner, Louis
Louis Werner, contractor and builder, is from Gray County, Ont., being born at Normantown forty-five years ago and there receiving his education. Mr. Werner learned the cabinet making at Tavistock and later the building and carpentering. He has held many responsible positions in a managerial capacity with large concerns in the east and is a workman of experience and ability. He was in the hotel business in the east for five years before coming west to Biggar the 29th March last. Mr Werner is an artist in fine finishing work and is doing a lucrative business in this place.

Young, T.C.
T.C. Young, locomotive foreman was born in Picton Co., N.S. and came west in 1879 and entered the service of the C.P.R. September 1st, 1891 at Brandon, Man. He wiped, fired and ran an engine for that company until the starting of the G.T.P., when he ran an engine at Portage the summer of '07 and came to Saskatoon in Oct. of that year and laid the steel from Watrous to Battle River with engine 504. Mr. Young was appointed as locomotive foreman at Biggar on March 1st, 1909. Mr. Young's broad experience has given him a thorough understanding of his business and is a valued member of the G.T.P. staff at this point.

Biggar Branch Saskatchewan Genealogical Society

rwchambe — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 22:30:42 CST

Biggar is home to the Biggar Branch Saskatchewan Genealogical Society and its' members are actively involved in preserving and documenting our local heritage. The resources branch members have assembled will assist researchers searching their Biggar roots in Biggar and around the world.

Society members have recorded and indexed cemeteries in the R.M.'s of Biggar and Glenside, and the cemeteries at Landis, Cando and Lett (Rosemount). The Biggar Branch has published a list of births, deaths and marriages from The Independent Biggar, SK for the period 1913 to 1950 and they are available for purchase. Other indexing projects have included: obituaries from The Independent -1984 to 2006, undertaker records, census records, Canadian National Railway seniority lists and early school registers.

The Biggar Branch SGS Resource Center is on the second floor of the Post Office. The center is equipped with reference books ranging from "how-to books" to genealogical directories, and microfiche and fiche readers. The reference collection includes: 1891 Saskatchewan Census Index; 1882 to 1916 Regina Leader Newspaper Indexes; Regina Public Library - Prairie History Room - Local History Catalogue; the Saskatchewan Genealogical Society Library Catalogue, provincial and international genealogical directories, indexes compiled by branch members and a reference file to over 2,500 articles/indexes published in genealogical journals that are in the collection. The fiche collection includes: The Family History Library Locality and Surname Catalogues, Family Registry, and sections of the International Genealogical Index (1992).

The Resource Center Biggar Branch SGS is open on meeting nights and special occasions. The Biggar branch holds regular monthly meetings on the second Wednesday of each month (except July and August) at the resource center. Time is set aside for members to share their research experiences and discoveries and help each other in specialized areas of research. Visitors are welcome to attend.

In addition to the branch resource center researchers will welcome the resources that are available at the Biggar Museum and Gallery. The Biggar Museum and Gallery have a fine collection of local history books from the surrounding area containing biographical information on individuals and families. The museum archives has a photograph collection, newspaper clippings, and The Independent, the local newspaper on microfilm beginning in 1913. The museum has reproduced the first newspaper, Biggar World, printed in Biggar, August 1909, which contains valuable biographical information on many of Biggar's first citizens. Also available are finding aids for obtaining on inter-library loan census and other records from the National Archives in Ottawa.

Cemetery, obituary and Town of Biggar census indices compiled by the Biggar Branch SGS are available for viewing at the museum.

***

FAMILY HISTORY!

Biggar Branch

Saskatchewan Genealogical Society

Box 1103

Biggar, Saskatchewan, CANADA S0K 0M0

Local History

rwchambe — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 11:15:21 CST

This page is a heading for the items classified as "Local History".

Library Catalogue Links

rwchambe — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 11:13:56 CST

Looking for a printed genealogy? Try searching library catalogues.

Family Search

WorldCat

this site lets one search a network of library catalogues including the
Library of Congress and Library and Archives Canada

Library of Congress

- also has links to other library catalogues

Library and Archives Canada

AMICUS Canadian National Catalogue

British Library

Society of Genealogists, London, England

Saskatchewan Genealogical Society Library Catalogue

Archive Catalogues

A genealogy or family history may not have been published but the compiler of the information may have submitted a manuscript copy to an archive. For Canadian Archives check the CAIN online database. The contents of all Canadian Archives are not listed in the CAIN online database. It may be necessary to visit individual archives in Canada to view a catalogue.

CAIN Canadian Archival Information Network

World-wide Web Family Tree Databases

In addition to printed genealogies, genealogists and family historians are also submitting family trees to various databases on the world- wide web. A few examples of these are:

FamilySearch Ancestral File & Pedigree Resource File

RootsWeb World Connect

GenCircles

Website Links

rwchambe — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 16:13:08 CST

Saskatchewan Genealogical Society

CanGenealogy

- site with categorized links for Canada

Canadian Genealogical Centre

- has various searchable databases including original images of census
records and passenger ship lists

Automated Genealogy

- Canadian Census Indexing Project with indexes to 1901, 1906 Western
Canada , and 1911 census.

Our Roots

- Local history books and other historical material. Search by "Subject"
for example "Biggar" or "Springwater". You can also do a search such as
"Barr Colonist" using the general search or you can do a search with a
surname and bring up every reference to the surname. Once you find
a find using "Subject" search you can then do a search within a book for
references to a specific surname.

FamilySearch

- this is a website for the Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah,
several databases to search including the International Genealogical
Index, Ancestral File, Pedigree Research File, and Census Indexes,
1881 Census for England and Wales, 1880 United States and 1881
Canada.
Also the library card catalogue is searchable online.

Cynidi’s List

- over 263,150 links to genealogy related sites. Grouped into various
categories.

Sask GenWeb

- Saskatchewan Branch of World Gen Project

World Gen Web Project

- links to all parts of the world to access genealogical information

GENUKI

- major site for U.K. & Ireland

Scotlands People

- commercial subscription Scotch site with births, marriages and death registers, old parish registers, census records and wills and testaments

Irish Genealogy

Access to Archives - The English Strand of UK Archives Network

- archive catalogue database

Free BMD

- a free site to searchable indexes to Civil Registration ( birth, marriage and death indexes) 1837 up to early 1900's. Incomplete, some years complete, some partially complete, ongoing project.

rootsweb

- various free databases including family trees and message boards

ancestry.com

-massive commercial subscription site. Major focus is United States but does have some Canadian and English resources. Offer a 14 day free trial, but you must give a credit card number and must cancel before expiry date or your credit card will be charged for a subscription.

findmypast.com

- commercial British site with indexed passenger lists from 1890 to 1939, indexed census records and other resources. Check out what there is before you subscribe. Passenger lists are good too for anyone from Europe leaving from a British port, includes Poles, Scandinavians. Anyone can do a search, but to view a transcript and/or original record subscription or voucher must be purchased.

Nanaimo Family History Society Passenger List Indexing Project

inGeneas

- another site with index passenger ship lists and other immigration documents for Canada

CastleGarden

- free database of information on 10 million immigrants from 1830 through to 1892 arriving in the United States of America

Ellis Island

- immigration arrivals into the United States from 1892 up to 1954

OCFA Ontario Cemetery Finding Aid

- free database of over 2 million burials in the province of Ontario

FEEFHS Federation of East European Family History Societies

- sites has some databases and maps

Saskatchewan Homestead Index

- if you have anyone who homesteaded in Saskatchewan this is site to search for the homestead file.

Saskatchewan Genealogical Indexes

- free searchable online:
births more than 100 years ago
deaths more than 70 years ago
not yet available marriages more than 75 years ago

Pinwherry History

Dimcc — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 07:02:24 CDT

{Submitted by Dianna (Hart) McCarty}

Following is a history that was written by my Great Uncle, Ray Hart, and many years ago a copy of same came into my possession. I retyped it at the time, and gave copies to several people. At the encouragement of my friend Rae Chamberlain, I am submitting it to the Biggar Branch Wiki, for the enjoyment of those of us who love local history.

Warren Hart spoken of in this story, is my dad's (Parker Hart) father, brother of Ray, and dad's mom is Elsie (Atkinson).

Having recently moved back to Landis after being away from the area for many years, it has been fun seeing the family names that are still around from my growing up years, and even from this story.

Uncle Ray's writings say he wrote this around the time of the death of King George VI, which was February 1952.

Now, for your enjoyment....

History Of The Pinwherry Church District

This is a history of the Pinwherry Church district situated twelve miles south and east of Landis, Saskatchewan, which should have been written years ago while more of the first settlers were alive. Now there remains only George and Edward Taylor and myself, Ray Hart of the first congregation of the Church.

The Rev. Dr. Dix was the special speaker at our fortieth anniversary of the founding of the Church held in October, 1948, and he encouraged me to write a history of this Church to be preserved in the archives of the United Church at St. Andrews College, Saskatoon, Sk.

There will be many errors and omissions in these records. I am writing this while visiting with my brother, Bruce, in Tampa, Florida. This seems to be the only time I can settle down to remember the happenings throughout the years and I am unable to get any help to gather stories or recollect information from the few old neighbors remaining in the district.

I believe this district was surveyed in 1904 and later opened for homesteading. It may have been 1904 when the first land was filed for homesteads.

My brother, Warren Hart, was one of the first to look over the country for prospects for homesteading. He with two other young men, came to Battleford in the Fall of 1905 and looked over other districts but decided they liked this best, so filed on homesteads for themselves, and later for a homestead for myself and others.

It was very interesting hearing my brother tell of the three days they scouted the districts. The only markers were mounds which were really four holes dug about six feet apart. At the corners of some of the quarter sections and at certain corners on the road allowance lines, there would be an iron stake or pins with the number of the quarter section lying southwest from that pin. To illustrate: my homestead, the N.E. quarter of section sixteen, township thirty-six, range seventeen, west of the third meridian, was marked on the iron pin, thus: XVI, XXXVI, XVII. These stakes were square and less than a foot above the ground excepting on the township lines six miles apart. These were round and longer than the square pins.

These were the only marks. The boys, three of them, hired a half breed guide with a team of broncos hitched to a democrat and took three days out from Battleford to scout the country for homesteads. Warren would tell that when they wanted to find a certain quarter section, they would find a mound and the driver would stand up in the democrat and take a due north direction, and ask the boys to time for so many minutes and fractions and to call when the
time was up, and he would point out the holes in the ground. These boys had to come to Battleford by train and had been living in Winnipeg for a few
years. Although they were country boys before going to live in the City, they had forgotten how cold it could be on a the bald prairie. Although it was early fall, the mornings and evenings could be very cold, so they felt very sorry for themselves when they found themselves with "Christie stiff" hats and light coats.

At this time, there were some Metis ranchers and a small Catholic mission in what is still called Sixty Mile Bush, because it was on the Battleford, Swift Current trail and sixty miles from Battleford. This place is near the siding of Duperow on the now Biggar-Loverna line. There were settlers in the Eagle Hills, a few miles out from Battleford and at Lizard Lake there were some ranchers.

In the year 1906, the settlers began to arrive. Some came and just made a dug-out or a small shack of sod, or anything to show that they had a claim on the land.

When Warren and I arrived about November 8, the family of Hauzners had settled and built a sod house and barn. They had oxen and some other cattle and some hens. The buildings were located where they now live, about one mile east of the Pinwherry Church.

The Zimmer family were living five miles west and one mile north of where the Pinwherry Church stands. One and a half mile south and one mile west, lived Mr. George Paul and son George. They had also moved in from Battleford.

During the summer, George and Ed Taylor, and Jack Johnson, came in from Saskatoon with a team of oxen and built a sod shack and stable in the middle of section sixteen where the Church now stands. They (George and Ed) arrived a short time after Warren and I arrived.

Warren and I spent the winter on Warren's homestead S.W. 20, one half mile north and a little east of where Warren built his home. One half mile west of where the town of Landis is located, a Mr. J. Dane from Massachusetts, now about sixty years old and a former shoe manufacturer, had bought all that section and built a house and store combined. He had some stock, mostly clothing. He went back to his old home in Massachusetts for the winter
and Arthur White, a boy from Mr. Dane's home town, who had worked for Mr. Dane in the east, was looking after the place. They had horses and freighted their supplies out from Battleford.

After Warren and I got settled, we walked across country to the Danes's place to see if there was any way to get some mail out and where we could have our mail sent. We found that there was a post office called Pascal near where the elevator and siding of Cathkin is at present located. This postmaster, a Mr. Delaney, also had a general store and later that winter, the R.N.W.M.P. established a temporary post to look after the settlers. This winter of 1906 and
1907 was the coldest and stormiest and the longest I have known, with the greatest fall of snow.

It would be the end of January or the first of February before our mail began to arrive. This was the first mail received since October, when we left Winnipeg. Arthur White was a real friend to us that winter, and ever since. We had neither horse nor ox, but Warren and I had a pair of snowshoes between us, and after the mail began to come to the post office at Pascal, one of us would snowshoe across country to Dane's, stay overnight and the next day, follow the G.T.P. grade which was partly completed. We followed to about four miles west of where the town of Cavell now stands. A winter trail crossed the grade there running southwest and northeast. We would follow the trail about eight miles to the Pascal post office, get the mail, and return to the Dane place and stay overnight with Arthur White, and go home the next day.

The first church service that I attended, or at least my first acquaintance with a Minister, was at the Dane home. When Rev. Wright and another Minister stayed one night. There were three or four young fellows there, and Rev. Wright had prayers. Mr. Wright was later elevated to Canon and resided for years at Wilkie. This, I believe, was in the winter of 1906 and 1907. During the summer of 1907, Mr. Wright held church services in the Pinwherry district at the Robert Jamieson home. They were, of course, Anglican services.

In the early summer of 1908, the Rev. George Gervin was sent out from eastern Ontario by the congregational church to establish a missionary field. He got off the train at Landis and made his home with Mr. and Mrs. John Glaister. He was then a bachelor and under 30 years. He bought a horse and buggy and travelled around visiting and looking for locations to establish places to hold services.

He visited the Pinwherry district and had a service one Sunday in the home of Robert Jamieson. Later, he held a little informal meeting and made a survey of the district and found we had Anglicans, Presbyterians, Methodists and Catholics. He decided it was a wonderful opening for a congregational minister. Mr. Gervin held church services every Sunday at Mrs. and Mrs. Robert Jamieson's. They had a sod house built in the N.W. corner of the N.W. 1/4 10-36-17-3.

We at once began planning to build a church. Mr. Gervin arranged to get a grant from the missionary society of the Congregational Church in the east to help build a church in what is now the Pinwherry Church district.

Of course, the missionary society was paying Mr. Gervin's salary. They offered to buy the lumber for a floor for a sod building and windows and lumber for seats , and they paid something for the labor making the pews.

Sometime in the early summer of 1908, we began to put up this, our first church. Mr. Robert Jamieson gave us the land for the church near his home and facing west on the north and south road. We plowed the sods on the quarter section across from the church and laid it out 20 by 30 feet, as nearly as I can remember. The walls were about 30 inches thick and we built the side walls over 8 feet high and on the ends we build a gable to support the roof.
This work of plowing the sods, hauling them on planks on the running gear of wagons, was done nearly all by men and oxen. The sod was plowed with a 14 inch plow and cut out 30 inches long, and when put in the wall, the layers were alternated for binding purposes. The Jamieson's cut and hauled the heavy poles for the roof and posts to support it, and small roofing poles which were laid close together up and down the roof. Then we covered them with hay, and laid sods carefully on this roof. I might say here that the roof turned the rain for a few years. When finishing the inside, I believe we trimmed the inside walls and plastered them with mud plaster. We had three windows on each side and a door in the west end facing the road. There is a picture of this old sod church hung in the church we now have. Mrs. Gervin is standing in front of the church beside their teams of horses. This will give some idea of the shape of the building outside. There was a platform built across the east end of the church for the pulpit. The ceiling was covered with cheesecloth. This made the room quite bright and clean looking.

Mr. Gervin, the minister, had a portable organ sent out from the east and there was always someone who could play it. Besides church services, we quite often had entertainments in the church, using local talent. Rev. Mr. Gervin was a great entertainer. He had a good singing voice and was a real mimic. We would always have lunch after an entertainment.

There were a few snapshots left of this building. When we got snapshots we nearly always sent them home to our families.

Now to mention some of the people that helped to build and who attended the church. I might start with Mr. George Paul and son George. They were Englishmen. Mr. Paul was a widower. He died in the Old People's Home at Wolseley. The son, George, married and left the country with his wife around the beginning of 1914 and was never heard of since. The father and son had settled here in 1906.

The Atkinson family, Mr and Mrs. Atkinson, Bob, Cliff and Gladys, moved to their homesteads in the summer of 1907. Later the other daughters, Elsie and Ethel, arrived from their old home in Manitoba. Their home was always open to the community or anyone passing through on the trail. Mrs. Atkinson was a mother to all the boys in the district, and no one ever left her home without being fed.

The Taylor family had moved to Saskatoon and some of the boys had taken up homesteads where they now live. George donated the land where the church now stands. George and Ed spent the winter of 1906 and 1907 on the homestead. They had built a sod shack and barn in the summer of 1906. They lived between the homesteads and Saskatoon. There was always
some of them on the farm. I think Mr and Mrs. Gilbert Taylor, the parents, came to the country with Florrie, the youngest, and at that time about six or seven years old. The family came from Ireland. Richard, the youngest boy, had a homestead with the rest of the family. He died very suddenly in Saskatoon. William the oldest, did a lot of building in Saskatoon, but later lived in the district for a long time. He, being a carpenter, contributed a lot to the
church. He did a big share of the building of the new church. He married and had a family of three boys and three girls. Bill is now living in New Westminster, B.C.

There were two other girls in the family beside Florrie. They were Mary, now living near Rosetown. She married Wise Baldwin and had four of a family. She married John Manley and had one son, Gordon, who has made a name for himself as a pianist.

George, the second son, was the first of the bachelor homesteaders to marry. He married Margaret McCullough, a young girl just out from Scotland with her parents. They had three boys, Ivan at home, Norville married and living in Prince Rupert, and Glen at home but now attending Agricultural College at Saskatoon. The girls, Dorothy married Albert Cowan of Biggar and May married Dennis Sizer and is living near Cavell.

Ed married Annie Slocum of the Rosetown district. They had three daughters (Olive and Velma are twins). Olive married Ed Boisvert of Lydden. Velma married Glen Hart. They live at Lethbridge, Alta. Norine is married and lives in Vancouver, B.C. Gordon the youngest, lives at home. He married Norma Dirks of Biggar.

There was a cousin of the Taylor's, Jack Johnston, about twenty-five years of age, who came to the homestead in about 1907. He had filed on a homestead on section 18, which was later cancelled and proved up by Mr. Gilbert Taylor.

Jack was in poor health and was slightly lame. He was living with George Taylor in the sod shack. He became mentally unbalanced early one morning and managed to get George out of the house. He barred the door and having shotguns and axes, George did not like to attempt to get back in the shack, so walked to my shack about three-quarters of a mile, on frozen ground, in his bare feet.

We went right back and sneaked up on the windowless side of the shack, and broke the door open so quickly that we caught Jack before he could do any harm. (I just now remember that he got away from the boys two days before and everybody was looking for him for hours. They found him early in the morning his legs and part of his body in a slough of water, and was unconscious.) George walked to what we called the Breed's place, in the Sixty Mile Bush about fifteen miles way, where the N.W.M.P. were sometimes, stationed and
the police came with a team in a democrat, and got Jack and took him to the hospital in Battleford. That was the last I saw of him. He later went back to Ireland.

George tells some interesting stories of that trip. According to George, the policemen had some liquor and were very quarrelsome. They and George fought for hours but at last when over twenty-five miles
from home, they managed to get George out of the democrat and left him there to get back home as best he could.

Mr and Mrs. Taylor Sr , died in the 1930's. They were a very fine couple. Mr. Taylor was a well educated man, a real gentleman. He was Treasurer of the Pinwherry Church until shortly before his death.

A cousin of the Taylor's, a George Crawford from New York City, came to the Taylor's in 1907 or 1908. He was a young man when he came, and had a lot of hard luck. He had a homestead about three miles S.E. of the Church, and was a faithful supporter. His foot was caught in a disc harrow, and it was so badly hurt that he was always very lame. Going home from Church one Sunday about noon in a blizzard, he lost the trail and wandered around the remainder of that day, the next night, and the next day and night, and the following morning
he found his way home. He was badly frozen but recovered. The snow was deep and there were lots of drifts, and the horses couldn't travel all that time. They say he used the sleigh robe and his fur coat to help keep the horses warm. He went back to New York and died in the 1930's.

During the first winter, George Taylor left our shack to go home one night and lost the trail. He walked steadily that night and the next night arrived at a German's place about seven miles northeast of our place. He got something to eat, but had to sleep in the unfinished shack. They, the family, his son and his mother, were living in the stable with the cattle to keep warm. Poor George nearly froze that night. The next day he got directions again and
started for home, but got on the wrong trail and got away south when he met an oldtimer and George told him the number of his quarter section.

He started George off on the right course with the sun over the left shoulder and showed him how to follow his shadow. Meanwhile, Warren had travelled all that first day on George's track. We had only one pair of snowshoes. The snow was very deep and you could cut off a lot of corners and loops, so made good time, but at night he had to leave the trail and come home. Next morning, I took the trail but George got home just before me. The last mile or two George travelled before he came to the German place, he would lie down
and rest and eat snow. George was very husky. Maybe there wasn't another man in the district that could have endured that hardship.

As I have told, Robert Jamieson allowed us to build the sod church on his land and the Jamieson's were loyal and faithful to the Church. At one of our first church meetings, we had to decide on a name for our Church and Andy Jamieson suggested the name "Pinwherry", that being the name of their Post Office in Scotland. We all agreed it was a good name, and so it has always been called the Pinwherry Church.

There was Mr. and Mrs. Robert Jamieson and they brought the first baby to Pinwherry. He was born in Saskatoon. He was named Albert. Another son born later was named David. He, with his father and mother, now live in Peace River country. There was the grandfather Jamieson who died in the 20's, and the youngest son, Andy. He married Annie Kennedy and they have two girls, Mary who is married and lives in Vancouver, and Marjory Irving, now in
Kelowna. Andy and family moved off the farm and went to Chilliwack, B.C. They are still there.

The Peter McCullough family came at different times. They came from Scotland. Mrs. McCullough was a sister of Andy and Bob Jamieson. Tom, the oldest of the family, got a homestead. The family made their home with him. There were Sam, Jim and Andy who fought through the war of 1914-18. Jim was killed in France. There were Bob, John, Margaret, Jennie and Mary. Tom married a girl from Scotland and is the only one of the family living in Pinwherry. Sam married a Miss Marshall. She died about 1946. Sam has a
home in Meath Park but spends winters with his sister, Mrs. George Taylor. Andy lives near Rosetown. He had, I believe, five children, but I am unable to name them. Bob married a school teacher and moved to B.C. She died in the forties. John married a Miss McKinley, had three children and lives in Ontario. Jennie married Mike Marshall and lives near Dawson Creek. They have a large family. Mary, the youngest married Hawthorne Marshall, Mike's brother. They lived near Fort St. John, and may live there yet. They had a large
family. Margaret, the oldest daughter married George Taylor and leaves near the Pinwherry Church. Mr. and Mrs. Peter McCullough ended their days with some of their family, near Fort St. John, and both are buried there. I would like to say that Mrs. McCullough was one of the outstanding women of the Pinwherry district; she was the most loved and respected mother and neighbor.
Although never blest with much of this world's goods, she always had something to give and was always helping someone. Perhaps in the final summing, up, it would be found that she gave more, and had a greater influence in our community in the St. John district and in her old home in Scotland, than any of us can realize.

I want to record here that while I am writing this record in the City of Tampa, Florida, that word has come through of the death of King George VI. I am rather proud of the way the papers and the radio are expressing the sympathy of the American people and of the nice things they are saying about our new Queen Elizabeth and her husband.

I mentioned earlier the Hauzner family living a mile east of the Church. They came here from Chicago. They were Bohemians and Catholic. They took some part in the community. They were the earliest settlers. Mr. Hauzner is now dead but Mrs. Hauzner is quite active, at something over eighty years. They brought their young family with them. Frank Jr. is living
with his mother and Sybil, Mrs. Hauzner's granddaughter. One daughter Annie, lives near Argo, Mary lives in Montana, and I think Bessie died in the U.S.A.

The McLeod family moved in through the spring and summer of 1907. Rod came in the spring and began breaking up his land one mile north of the Church. Mr and Mrs. McLeod came later in the summer and built their home out of sod. They were Highland Scotch from Glengary, Ontario, and spoke Gaelic as fluently as English or even better, as they seemed to be more at home with their Gaelic. They were a fine looking couple, both tall and very
straight. He was a piper and many a time he helped out at entertainments with his pipes. We would often have him play for us at his home. He also played the violin and sang. I will always remember a picnic held near the Church either in 1908 and 1909, when Mrs and Mrs. McLeod and Rod drove past my place with a team of oxen hitched to a wagon. They picked me up on the way and Mr. McLeod played the pipes nearly all the way to the grounds. It
was a lovely calm day and everyone got a thrill listening to the pipes.

Their home was always open to all, and we bachelors were more than welcome. One of my greatest debts and happiest memories are of Mrs. McLeod. She took care of me and nursed me, fed me and I think loved me, and took the place of a mother in my lonely life. She was in rather poor health all the time, but never complained. So many times I think of her as one of the best women and mothers, and how little she received in comforts and wealth, for what she did for us. She and Mrs. Atkinson mothered more lonesome bachelors and I am
glad to have a chance to tell of these mothers who were always ready to feed the poor bachelors and open their homes to all of us. They were the most refined and dignified women I know of.

Rod McLeod died during the flu epidemic of 1918. He had married Edna Jasper and had three boys and one girl. Clarence, the oldest married Hannah Wurtz, and has two children. Clarence is a school teacher and has been in the Pinwherry district many times since he grew up, and has played a part in the community. They now live in Chilliwack, B.C.. Wilbur moved away after he grew up and is now in Edmonton. Rod spent over four years in the
services overseas during the second World War. He studied medicine and now is interning in Vancouver. He married a girl from South Africa. She was going to University at Saskatoon when they met.

Helen is married and lives in Winnipeg. Duncan McLeod was the second son of Mrs. and Mrs. K.K. McLeod and homesteaded with the parents, doing his homestead duties but living with them. He is married and has a home in Winnipeg. Mr. and Mrs. McLeod are buried in Landis cemetery. A stone marks Mrs. McLeod's grave.

Earl Hindley bought the homesteads of Rod and Duncan McLeod and homesteaded the quarter section NE of 22 on the same section, and built a home and lived there until Ernest Hindley, a brother, came out from the old Hindley homestead at Rockwood, Ontario. Ernie and Mrs. Hindley, just married, came out in August 1913, made their home and lived on this homestead established by Earl who returned to Ontario and made his home on the Hindley homestead. Mr. and Mrs. Ernie Hindley lived here until about 1947 and they moved to Victoria, B.C. They were very loyal and staunch supporters of the Church and of every community project. They were, and still are, very much missed by all the people in the district. Mrs. Hindley always seem to be responsible for the music and singing, also the music in the church and the community. They had two children. Bill was born in 1914. Married Annie Rennie of Saskatoon. She had taught in the Cecilia School. They live in Ontario and have two children. Verle married Harry Hawkins and attends our Church.

George Hindley and Mrs. Hindley moved to the district around 1925 or 1926. Mrs. Hindley's home was in Embro, Ontario and her name was May Cody. She was a sister of Canon Cody of Toronto. George preached in our Church, and I shall tell more of him later. They had two children. Jim was born in 1925 and married Thelma Carberry and lives on the Ernest Hindley homestead. They have one son. Marybeth is a school teacher. George bought and lives on the Gratton homestead, three miles north and east of the Church.

S.A. (Steve) McHargue came from Iowa in 1912 with Mrs. McHargue and family. Harold married Etta Young and they have two boys, Steve and Elwood. Luverne married and moved to the western states or Idaho. Gladys married Merril Rutherford and moved to Washington or Idaho. He died in the early 1940's. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Rutherford of Pinwherry. Raymond McHargue, the youngest, married Carrie Kerfoot of Landis, and they live in the old Varley place. The have two children, Eldon and Marilyn. They attend our church and support it.

Mrs. Steve McHargue died in the 1930's. She was loved by all the people, was the first Pinwherry Ladies' Aid President. The McHargue's attended and supported our church.

John Rutherford moved to the district in 1913 and lived two miles east of the Church. He and Mrs. Rutherford came from Iowa and brought their family with them. The children were Edna, who married Ted Geary in the district. She died during the flu epidemic in 1918. Marril married Gladys McHargue and moved to the western states. He died in the early 1940's. Mary married Clarence Cushing of Landis. Lucille married in the U.S.A. Jack
married Willa Brace of Biggar and lives in Saskatoon. Emmet is married and lives in Herschel, Saskatchewan.

The Noble famly moved here from one of the western states in 1908; the father, mother, two daughters and their husbands, two sons and their wives and some grandchildren. They lived three miles east of the church. They later moved away but not all at once. Ed Sheets,
the son-in-law, lived here longer than the rest of the family. They attended the services and entertainments in the sod church.

Mr. and Mrs. Squirrel and daughter Hetty were among the earliest settlers. They lived six miles east and one mile north of the church and attended the sod church. They moved to Biggar and, I believe, are all dead.

There was a bachelor, Brownjohn (we always called him Buster), who lived three miles east of the church and came to the sod church. He stayed only a short time, and I don't know where he moved to.

The Murdoch family lived four miles south and three miles east of the church and attended it after we had built the first lumber building. They were a large family. Corrine, the eldest girl, married Alex McLeod, and lives eight miles west of Biggar. Mr Murdoch is now dead but the widow and two of the family live in Biggar.

The Harry Hawkins family, Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins, Albert and Harry, were good supporters of our church. They may not have attended services in the sod church, but Mr. Hawkins was Superintendent of our Sunday School for years. Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins have now retired and live in Victoria, B.C. Albert, the eldest son married May Schnedar, and lives on the Jamieson homestead. Harry married Verle Hindley, and they have one son Ron.

A Mr. Harrop and his maiden sister came to his homestead one mile east and one mile south of the Church. They moved in from Saskatoon about 1910 and lived there until the early twenties. They were very fine English people and although they never took an active part in the community, they were very hospitable in their home. Mr. Harrop was the expert gardener.

A Mr. Wm. Moore moved here from the western states and bought the Harrop and Crawford land. They made their home in the Harrop home. There was Mrs. Moore and three girls and a boy. Mr. Moore died a few years after and the family moved back to the states. Mrs. Moore still owns the land. They were very active in the Church and Mr. Moore was Sunday School Superintendent for a few years.

Mrs. and Mrs. Arthur White lived on the same farm for quite a few years. They now live ten miles south of Biggar. They had two daughters, Lois, who is married and lives in Lethbridge, Alberta, and Eunice, living with her parents.

The Riddell family moved to their homestead two miles south of the church in about 1909 or 1910 from Asquith. George was here some time before. They had come from Ontario. There was Mr. and Mrs. Riddell and Grandma McClure, Mrs. Riddell's mother, and three boys, George, Jim and Jack. Mrs. McClure died about two years after they moved here. Mrs. Riddell died in the winter of 1915 and Mr. Riddell died in the early 40's. I cannot speak too highly of the older folk. Mrs. Riddell was one of the kindest and best women I have known, although she had poor health, was very active and they made everyone
welcome in the home. They are all three buried in the Riddell plot in Aurora, Ontario. Jim, the oldest son, died in the early 30's and Jack died in the late 1940's. They, too, are buried in Aurora, Ontario. George built a fine home and married Alma Kennedy of Brandon, Man., sister of Russell Kennedy. They have four children. Muriel married Bruce McDonald and lives in Melfort and has one child. Elta married Clive Farnsworth, who is living in Winnipeg, and has one child. Hugh lives in Saskatoon and Murray is now living in Calgary. Mr. and Mrs. Riddell (Geo) now live in Saskatoon.

Mr. and Mrs. Jaeger and son with his family and Edna, the daughter who married Rod McLeod, moved here from Illinois and homesteaded four miles south and four miles west of the Church. The son and family later moved back to the U.S.A. and Mr. and Mrs. Jaeger moved to Saskatoon and lived there until the time of their deaths.

John Johnson moved to this farm in 1920. He married and lives there now and is a good supporter of the Church.

Lou Varley came here from Stuart, Iowa, around 1910 or 1911. He bought section five and built a fine home two miles west and one and one-half miles south of the Church. He was a bachelor. We saw a lot of his family from Iowa. They were great church people and his sister who visited him, was a wonderful singer. His brother Charles, who spent quite a lot of time here after Louis' death in 1917, was a good supporter of this church until his death in 1949.

The Brouilette family moved to the Varley home around 1921. They were from Illinois. There were two brothers and their families. They were good supporters of the church and Community. "L.C." was one of the first men in the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool. He gave a lot of time and money to get it started and was the first Vice-President of the Pool, and later the President. He died while still President in 1934. During the last years of his life, he moved and made his home in Regina. Mrs. Brouilette now lives with some of her children
in Murphysboro, Illinois. The children are Mary Louise, married and living in lllinois, Eugene, George, Louis and Wilfred.

The brother, Tony, lived here until 1940, then moved back to their old home in Illinois. Their children are Kent, Ed, Wendel, Dick, Charles, Elizabeth, Laura and Dianna. They are all living in the U.S.A.

Harvey Carberry came west from Ontario in about 1919, bought land and built a home two miles south of the Varley home. He married Annie Francis of Springwater. Their children are Floyd, married now, and living two miles west of the Varley home. He married Gloria Cauldwell of Saskatoon and they have two children. Eileen married Tom Archdekin and has one child. They live on the first Harvey Carberry home. Thelma married Jim Hindley and has one child. They live on the Ernie Hindley homestead. Lorne, Shirley and Dale live
at home. In 1940, Harvey Carberry moved to the Varley home and later bought it. He moved to Biggar in 1945. Harvey was one of our best supporters while he lived in the district. He is still represented by his three children and their families, and they all come to this church and support it.

Raymond McHargue bought the Varley home from Harvey Carberry and is living there now. They attend our church and support it. Raymond married Carrie Kerfoot and they have two children, Eldon and Marilyn.

Bert Russell came from Iowa and settled here in 1913. He first lived three miles west and one and one-half miles north. Later he moved where Fred Hart now lives. He married Annie Reid of Landis. They had three children. About 1922 or 1923 Bert and family moved to Stuart, Iowa. Bert was a great help to the church and community. He was a fine singer and gave generously of his talents. He and his wife very much were missed.

The Hart family came from Nova Scotia. Warren and myself came to the homesteads in November 1906. We came in from Battleford with a team of oxen hired to bring in lumber for our shack, and stove and winter's provisions. This wasn't our own team of oxen but was owned and driven by John Johnson of Cavell. Warren spent most of the summers working at carpentry and I stayed on the homesteads. He spent the first and second winter two miles
west and one mile north of the church. In the fall of 1915, Fred came west for the harvest. He and Joe came west to stay in 1919. Bruce and family came west in 1918. He came from Nova Scotia. A few months before that, he came from Cuba with his family where three of his children were born. The father and mother of our family moved here from Nova Scotia in 1920, having retired.
Francis, the youngest sister, came with them. They later bought Mr. K.K. McLeod's house and moved it to my place and lived right beside me. Their house is still there.

Hazel and Edith came west in 1921. My father, Parker Hart Sr., died in 1925, and my mother died in 1941, andthey are buried in Landis cemetery. Warren established his family home, two miles west and one-half mile north of the church. He married Elsie Atkinson in 1915. They have five boys: Parker married June Hanna of Biggar and has three children; they live on the
home place. Robert married Gladys Schneder of Lydden and they have one child. Bobby died in 1943, and is buried in the Hart plot in the Landis cemetery. His widow and son Gary live in Edmonton. She has remarried. George married Phyllis Molleken of North Battleford. They have two boys, Greg and Russ, and live in Lethbridge. Glen married Velma Taylor and they have three children, Elaine, Doug and Don. They also live in Lethbridge. Cliff married Jeanette Ballantyne and they reside in North Battleford. They have one child, Bobby.

Warren died in 1942 and is buried in Landis cemetery. His widow lives in Saskatoon. My brother, Joe, married Sarah Haye of Morris, Man. They have two daughters, Hazel and Lorna, and all live in Vancouver. My youngest brother, Fred, married Phyllis Ackrill from England. He lives four
miles west and one-half mile north of the Church. They have five children. Kenneth is married and lives in St. Thomas, Ont. I have forgotten his wife's family name. Annette is living in Ottawa. Joan married Harold Merryfield of Biggar. They have two children, Dale and Doug. Bruce and Jack are at home. Edith married Russell Anderson and lives in Toronto. Hazel lives in Ottawa and Frances lives in New York.
.
Bruce moved to Tampa, Florida, in 1925 and the family followed later. Five girls were born to this family. Hazel died in Nova Scotia before the family moved west. Elizabeth died shortly after leaving Pinwherry. Jean is married and lives in Kissimmee, Florida. Jean, Hazel and Elizabeth were born in Cuba. Mary and Helen were born in Pinwherry. Jean married Earl Lupfer and has three children. Mary married William Murphy; has one child and lives in Tampa, Florida. Helen married Vasky Zeiko and lives in New Britain, Conn. They have two children.

Jacob Hegan moved to his farm and built his home two miles west and one mile north of the church in 1915. They came from Phippen and are living there now. They moved away in 1918. They had four children. Edger is married and lives in Phippen. Carl is married, also Alma and May are married and they all live at or near Phippen.

I have no doubt left out many families and individuals. As I am writing this in Tampa, Florida, I am relying altogether from memory, but the people mentioned are the outstanding people connected with our Church.

The old sod Church was used from 1908 to 1912, when we built a lumber church across from the old church on land donated by George Taylor on his homestead on the S.E. corner of the S.E. 1/4 of 16-36-17-3. This church was used until 1930 when we built the present church. The second church was much too small when the bachelor homesteaders got married and began raising families. One thing outstanding in our church for any Protestant
Church was that the parents all came to church and brought their children with them, and when the families were growing up we would often have from 60-80 in attendance, and even with the new church with a full basement, we would often have two classes outdoors in summertime.

The most outstanding characteristic of our church was the spirit of cooperation. These three churches were built altogether by work and money donated by all of us excepting a small amount to buy the lumber for the sod church. The people were most friendly and cooperative. We find that this spirit is as alive as ever in 1951. When the church needed painting, decorating and cleaning, so many came there was scarcely a job for all, and the work was completed in one day. I had to remark that there was only George Taylor and myself there of the ones who helped build the sod church.

I have not any of the church records with me, but I will attempt to name the Ministers, who served us though the years.

The Rev. George Gerwin was our first Minister. Mr. George Hindley served a short time as a student and later when ordained, was our Minister for a few years.

Rev. Trevor Williams came from Wales with his wife. She died of the flu in 1918. Later he returned to Wales. Then the Rev. Kemp, Rev. Reid, Rev. Culp, Rev. Boyd, Rev. Phillips, Rev. Morrison and another Rev. Phillips, Rev. Tom Smith, Rev. Victor Levan and now the Rev A.C. Cross. I might mention also the Rev. George Cairns who served during the 1930's. During the first years, we had students and assistants but they were, most of the time, in the Cando field.

For awhile during the 30's, we had no minister but Mr. George Hindley carried on a Bible class on Sunday and sometimes preached. The young people were very interested and faithfully attended. I want to pay tribute to Mr. Hindley for what he has done and for the fine influence he has had on the young people of the Pinwherry district. Mr. Hindley was called on continually to speak at meetings, and to help in everything for the community. Because he was so well known, his services were called for, far from home, as well.

He has been Secretary of the Landis field for many years. Many times he has been called on
to officiate at funerals, because of his many friends, and his ability as a speaker. Mr. Hindley was a member of the R.M. of Bushville for many years and is now serving as Vice-President of the Trustees' Association of Sask. and I expect to hear very soon that he has been elected President.

Mr. Hindley has always been ably assisted by Mrs. Hindley, who has had to sacrifice a lot to help Mr. Hindley out in his different activities, besides her being a very active officer of the Wilkie Presbytery for the Womens' Missionary Society.

The story would not be complete if I did not tell of all the uses made of our church. For a few years in the 30's when there were a lot of young people in the district, who were unable to, because of finances, attend high school, the parents organized a cooperative high school at the church, got a small grant from the Dept. of Education and assessed the parents for the balance. A great many young men and women of our community have high school
because of the Pinwherry Church. I believe this school may be the only one of its kind in the county; it was the only one I know of.

I believe this Pinwherry Church has had a tremendous influence on the young people that have grown up here and will continue to have an influence on those now growing up. I know there are many of these young people now active in the church service, living in many places scattered over Canada and America, who got their start by parents taking them to church on Sunday mornings and to Sunday school, instead of sending them alone.

I know that getting together Sunday mornings and at church entertainments besides the meetings of the Ladies' Aid and the W.M.S. had much to do with warm and lasting friendships in this community. Perhaps not many districts have had and still have, this friendly cooperative spirit as we have had in this Pinwherry Church district.

***

This history and stories are written by G.R. Hart. I came to the Pinwherry district from Guysborough, Nova Scotia in 1906. In December 1916 I married Isabelle Gilmur of Attwood, Ontario. We have two daughters, Shirley May, who married Earl Kerr of Toronto, June 29, 1946 and Marion June. The latter is married to Ronald Sproule of Watson, Sask., and they have one child Rhonda Belle.

Atkinson........................................................ 5
Brouilette....................................................... 12
Brownjohn..................................................... 10
Carberry........................................................ 12
Crawford....................................................... 6
Dane.............................................................. 2
Delaney......................................................... 3
Gervin........................................................... 3, 4, 14
Glaister......................................................... 3
Harrop.......................................................... 10
Hart.............................................................. 1, 12, 13, 15
Hauzner........................................................ 2, 8
Hawkins........................................................ 10
Hegan............................................................ 13
Hindley.......................................................... 9, 14, 15
Jaeger............................................................ 11
Jamieson....................................................... 3, 7
Johnson......................................................... 11
Johnston........................................................ 2, 5
McCullough.................................................. 7
McHargue...................................................... 9, 10, 12
McLeod......................................................... 8
Ministers....................................................... 14
Moore............................................................ 10
Murdoch........................................................ 10
New Church.................................................. 14, 15
Noble............................................................. 10
Paul............................................................... 2, 4
Riddell........................................................... 11
Russell........................................................... 12
Rutherford..................................................... 10
Settling of Area............................................. 1, 2
Sheets............................................................ 10
Sixty Mile Bush............................................ 2, 6
First Church................................................. 4
Squirrel......................................................... 10
Taylor............................................................ 2, 5, 6
Varley............................................................ 11
White............................................................. 11
Wright........................................................... 3
Zimmer.......................................................... 2

Library: Microfiche Collection

rwchambe — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 16:35:30 CDT

British Isles Genealogical Register [$55.00]
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1992 International Genealogical Index (IGI)
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Family History Library Locality Catalogue
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IRELAND

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United States
The American Genealogical Lending Library (AGLL) Catalog, 1992 (9 fiche)

England

Bankrupt Directory 1820-43 (8 fiche)
Buckinghamshire Members' Interest 1995 (1 fiche)
Index To Wills Proved In The P.C.C 1750 to 1800, Volume 2, BIA-BLA (8 fiche)
Buckinghamshire Poll Book 1784 (4 fiche)
Pigot's Directory 1830, Devonshire (2 fiche)
Pigots Directory 1830, Buckinghamshire (1 fiche)

Ireland

Abstract of Irish Wills (20 fiche)

This microfiche is a copy of a typescript in the Society of Genealogist's Library.

A total of 3973 random Irish will were abstracted by Mrs. Lorna Rosbottom from a variety of sources. The source is noted at the top of each abstract. There are two indexes at the beginning, then the abstracts are arranged by initial letter of surname, most letters containing two alphabetical seque

Research Resources

Dimcc — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 06:45:10 CDT

Biggar Museum & Gallery
This is a compilation of the books, manuscripts, indexes, census indexes , cemetery recordings, research aids and microfilms available in the reading room and research area at the Biggar Museum & Gallery.

If you are interested in researching the history of the Town of Biggar or your Family History in Biggar and area the Biggar Museum & Gallery is a good place to do some research.

Biggar Mayors and R.M. of Biggar Reeves
In one binder they have some biographical information on some of the Mayors of Biggar. This includes: Mooney, Dr. Shaw, Glazebrook Hassard, McLaren, Brownlee, Smythe and Rodman. Elsewhere in the museum there is a set of photos of Biggar’s Mayors. They also have portraits of the Reeves for the R.M. of Biggar.

Biographies, Family History & Local History
They have a series of binders with unpublished essays. Some researched and written by school children, others reproduced from the Jubilee edition of The Independent of June 23, 1955 about the history of Biggar, places or school districts around Biggar, various families and individuals.

Affleck, Mrs William, "The Naseby Story", Jubilee Addition, The Independent, June 23,1955.

Anonymous, "Marie De Bussac," 28 pages

Anonymous, "Pinwherry Church History", Jubilee Addition, The Independent, June 23, 1955.

Anonymous, "The Story of Carmelhiem", Jubilee Addition The Independent, June 23 1955.

Anonymous, "Tweedyside." (Jubilee Addition, The Independent, June 23,1955)

Anonymous, A Birds Eye View of Pioneer Days in Saskatchewan

Anonymous, Curths Hill

Anonymous, Lydden "A Tribute to Our Pioneers." (Jubilee

Addition, The Independent, June 23,1955).

Anonymous, Pinwherry District

Anonymous, Springwater

Anonymous, The Envy of Saskatchewan

Anonymous, Vance

Arnott, Daryl, "History of a Scottish Immigrant - Miss Mary Lily Murray." (essay prepared for Mr. A. Selin in Grade XII Social Studies, 29 pages, 1974)

Baum, Ursula, "Leben Lauf - A Biography of Herbert and Monica
Baum." (essay, prepared for Mr. A. Selin in Grade XII Social Studies, 21 pages, 1974).

Crozier, Alana, "Family History". ( essay, prepared for Mr. A. Selin in Grade XII Social Studies, 1975)

de Moissac, H., "Story of Cochery Settlement." ( Jubilee Addition, The Independent, June 23,1955).

Goldie, Olive nee Sagon, "As I look Back", n.d., 12 pages

Itterman, Edith, "Biography of An Immigrant Mr. Karl Itterman," (essay, prepared for Mr. A. Selin in Grade XII Social Studies, 19 pages, 1975).

Kaban, Monica, "Biography of Theodore Kaban Immigrant to Canada." (essay, prepared for Mr. A. Selin in Grade XII Social Studies, 12 pages, 1976).

Landis News, July 13, 1910, "Porter Picnic 1910", Jubilee Addition The Independent, June 23 1955.

Litwinow, David, "Autobiography of An immigrant Victor Ivan Litwinow Formerly of Nova Siberska. Now a Citizen of Biggar, Saskatchewan". (essay, prepared for Mr. A. Selin in Grade XII Social Studies, 12 pages, 1976).

McCarty, Debbie,"The Oesch Family History". (essay, prepared for Mr. A. Selin in Grade XII Social Studies, 49 pages, 1976)

Redlich, Gloria, "Autobiography of My Mother Mrs. Alma Redlich", ( essay, prepared for Mr. A. Selin in Grade XII Social Studies, 21 pages, 1974).

Cemetery Recordings
Biggar Cemetery Index, 1985
R.M. of Glenside No. 377 Cemeteries
Kinley Cemetery
Landis Cemetery,12 pages, 1987
Leney Cemetery
Monarch Cemetery, R.M. of Biggar 347
Springwater Cemetery, RM of Biggar #347
Wheatfield Cemetery Index, R.M. of Perdue

Census Indexes
Biggar Branch Saskatchewan Genealogical Society,1912 Census, Biggar, Saskatchewan Surname Index And As Enumerated, 55 pages, 1995

Biggar Branch Saskatchewan Genealogical Society,1915 Census, Biggar, Saskatchewan Surname Index And As Enumerated, 33 pages, 1995

Biggar Branch Saskatchewan Genealogical Society, 1920 Census, Biggar, Saskatchewan Surname Index And As Enumerated, 65 pages, 1995

Biggar Branch Saskatchewan Genealogical Society, 1924 Census, Biggar, Saskatchewan Surname Index And As Enumerated, 31 pages, 1996

Biggar Branch Saskatchewan Genealogical Society, 1929 Census, Biggar, Saskatchewan Surname Index And As Enumerated, 43 pages, 1996

Biggar Branch Saskatchewan Genealogical Society,1945 Census, Biggar, Saskatchewan Surname Index And As Enumerated, 31 pages, 1996

Eileen P. Condon,Index to the 1891 Census Assiniboia West , unpaginated, 1988

Church History
Anonymous, Saint Andrew’s Presbyterian Church Celebrating Seventy Years of Service 1928-1998, 7 pages

Anonymous, Six Decades 1909-1969 St. Paul’s Church, Biggar, Sask., unpaginated, c1969

Campbell, L.D., History of St. Gabriel’s Parish Biggar, Saskatchewan, 19 pages, 1965

Les Soeurs de la Charité de Montreal, Les Soeurs Grises - The Grey Nuns, 1987
ISBN: 2-920965-00

Family Histories
Anonymous, Their Journey Our Heritage - Germaine de Rocquigny and Jacques de Moissac. (no publisher, 63 pages, n.d.)

Boyd, Melonie, One Hundred Extra Ordinary Years Selected Poems and Memoirs Dorothy Olive (Trent) Hodgson. (no publisher, 48 pages, 1997).

Craig, William, The Beginning in 1881. (self published, unpaginated, n.d.)

Jeffreys, Jamie and others, "Across The Years". (school essays, unpaginated, c.1980-81, appears to be essays written by school students). Includes these essays:

Jeffreys, Jamie, "The Story of My Grandmother"
(Seena Burlack nee Osavitsky)

Chorneyko, Brent, "Two Special People in My Life"
(William & Pauline Chorneyko)

Livingston, Mike, " The War Bride"
(Moya Cohen)

Huculak, Jim, "My Grandmother - Granny"
(Magda (Magge) Machawki, born Kingman, Alberta)

Ellard, Duane, "Balzar Lang"
(born Tramping Lake, Saskatchewan)

Kocourek, Dawn, "Edith McCarty: Granny"
(nee Edith Striker, born Colfax, Washington, USA)

McCarty, Audrey, "My Grandfather Ezra Allen Oesch
( born Blake, Ontario)

Strate, Chuck, "My Grampa Charlie Sapsford"
(born Essex, England)

Redlich, Erik, " My Grandfather"
(Robert Hood Selkirk, born Ormiston, Scotland)

Singer, Russell, "The Life of My Grandfather"
(Jacob Frank Singer, born Innsbruck, Austria)

Poletz, Brenda, "My Grandmother Edith Taggart"
(nee Edith Elizabeth Brinkman, born Brinkman Corners)

unknown, " My Great-grama Lavina Woods
(nee Lavina Haynes Swope, born Louistown, Montana)

Mann, Mrs. Jesse, Life Story of Thos. G. Boulton of Old Nelson Pioneering In Western Canada, manuscript, unpaginated, 1970

Striker, Martha, writer & Karen Denise Miller, editor, William Hadley Striker. (no publisher, 220 pages, 2002).

Local History
Althouse, Myrtle, Journey Forward - A History of the Biggar and District Association of the Mentally Retarded 1959 -1978. (No publisher, unpaginated, c1978).

Anonymous, A Pioneer Honeymoon Trip. (no publisher, unpaginated, n.d).

Anonymous, A Tribute to The Bygone Communities of Saltburn, East Gap, South Dean, Sanctuary and Hamlet. (Elrose: Elrose, Review, 104 pages, c1970).

Anonymous, Meadow Bank School

Anonymous, Our Blended Heritage Ruthilda and District 1905 - 1980. (Kipling: Southeast Press Ltd, 139 pages, 1980).

Anonymous, Oxen to Oil Diamond Memories (R.M. of Oakdale, Coleville-Driver-Beaufield area). (North Battleford, McIntosh Publishing Company Ltd, 807 pages, 1982).

Anonymous, Queen Mary Lizard Lake 1905-1980. (no publisher, 97 pages, 1980)

Anonymous, Rosetown, Sask. The Place To Be! (Rosetown: Tourism Rosetown, n.d.).

Anonymous, The Rural Municipality of Pleasant Valley No. 288, The First Years. (no publisher, unpaginated, n.d).

Anonymous, Through The Years History of Perdue, Leney, Kinley and District. (no publisher, 48 pages, c1967).

Biggar and District Chamber of Commerce and Town of Biggar, Looking To The 80's Biggar, Saskatchewan. (no publisher, 52 pages, 1980).

Bishop, D.G., A Tribute to Our Pioneers The History of Triumph 1955. (self published, handwritten, unpaginated, 1955)

Boake, Norman, Cheryl Gidluck, John Dyck, Biggar Saskatchewan Canada A Pictorial History. (Altona, Manitoba: Friesen Printers, 64 pages, 1980).

Bocking, D.H., Saskatchewan A Pictorial History.( Saskatoon: Western Producer Prairie Books, 209 pages, 1979)
ISBN: 0-88833-042-1

Cando School, The Story of Cando and Community 1905 - 1955. (self published, unpaginated, 1955).

Choiceland Historical Society, Log Cabin Tales and Changing Trails History of Choiceland and District. (Altona, Manitoba, Friesen Printers, 561 pages, 1984, ISBN: 0-88925-459-1).

Curths Hill School, 1905-1955 Curths Hill. (self published, handwritten, unpaginated, c. 1955).

Dewar Lake Homemakers,Winds Across The Plains. (Biggar, The Independent, 61 pages, n.d).

Gilchrist, Marilyn, Norah Longworth, Betty McFarlane, George Tosh, Bent Bear Hills Project Surveying and Recording Result in 1988 - Permit No. 88-5. (Eagle Creek Historical Society, 84 pages, 1989).

Glamis Homemakers Club, Glamis 1967 - History of Idallen, Madoc, Padgate, Glamis. (no publisher, 78 pages, 1967).

Glass, Frank, Rosetown First 75 Years. (Rosetown: Rosetown Publishing Co., 80 pages, 1984).

Gregory, Richard, "History of Biggar A Project Report Submitted to the Faculty of The School of Agriculture in Partial Fulfilment of the requirement for the diploma for School of Agriculture University of Saskatchewan March 3, 1978". (Thesis, University of Saskatchewan - Saskatoon, 1978).

Hanson, Sarah Foss, Homesteading at Clavet, Saskatchewan. (no publisher, 21 pages, n.d.).

Harris History Book Committee, Harris Heritage and Homage. (Altona, Manitoba, Friesen Printers, 634 pages, 1982)
ISBN: 0-88925-335-8

Hawkins, Verle, Half-way House. (Biggar: Biggar Museum and Gallery, 84 pages, n.d)..

History Committee, Golden Milestones Dodsland, Druid and Districts. (no publisher, 143 pages, n.d.).

Hubbard, Freeman, "There Never Was A Signal Set Against a Silk Train". (no publisher, 10 pages, n.d.

Huffman, Joyce, Memories Album 1980 - I celebrated in Biggar. (Biggar: Hamilton Reid The Independent Printers Ltd., 74 pages, 1980) [Includes: Town of Biggar, RM of Biggar and RM of Glenside]

Imperial History Book Committee, The Imperial Review. (Altona, Manitoba: Friesen Printer, 392 pages, 1983)
ISBN: 0-88925-297-1)

Kelfield History Book Committee, Portrait Of A Community Kelfield, Saskatchewan, Canada. (Battleford, Marian Press Ltd., 373 pages, 1982)

Landis Historical Society, The Landis Record. (Altona, Manitoba: Friesen Printers, 477 pages, 1980)
ISBN: 0-88925-18-0

Landis History Book Volume II Committee, The Landis Record Volume II 1993. (Altona, Manitoba, Friesen Printers, 377 pages, 1993), ISBN: 0-88925-774-1)

Le Du, René, Normandy 1944 A War Essay, (self published, unpaginated, n.d.).

Lindell, Mrs. Oscar N., As We Remember Alford 1965. (no publisher, 60 pages, c1965)

Lindgren, Margaret, "The Monarch Pioneers", (no publisher, 26 pages, n.d.)

Lindgren, Margaret, The Monarch Pioneers. (Vancouver: Litho Services,16 pages, 1973)

McCallum, Evelyn, Tales of Long Ago. (no publisher, 44 pages, n.d.) [A story about the George Murdock Jr. family]

McFarlane, Betty and George Tosh, Bent Bear Hill Project Surveying and Recording Results 1987. (Eagle Creek Historical Society, unpaginated, 1988)

McMaster, Purcell, Purcell McMaster Memories from 1905 From Homesteading to a Lifetime of Service with Massey Harris. Alternate title: A boy from Glengarry: with a positive attitude and a life-time of service with Massey-Harris, Massey-Harris-Ferguson and to others in need Purcell McMaster (no publisher, 250 pages, 2000)

Moncrief, William, editor, Curths Hill School 1913-1955 (unknown, 18 pages, n.d).

North Biggar History Book Committee, Biggar North History: Oban, Neola, Avalon, Elwell, Monarch, Louvain, Kensmith, Twin Hill, Fairmount, Vanceview, Gagenville, Curths Hill, Castle Wood, Whiteshore and Wilson Lake. (Altona, Manitoba: Friesen Printers, 2 volumes, 936 pages, 1986)
ISBN: 0-88925-602-0

Perdue History Book Committee,Lets Look Back - Perdue History Book. (Altona, Manibota: Friesen Printers, 224 pages, 1977) [Includes Feudal, Dreyer, Juniata, Kinley, Leney and Perdue] ISBN: 0-010213-69-3

Pinwherry Community, History of Pinwherry and Bushville. (North Battleford: Turner-Warwick Printers Inc., 206 pages, 1987)

Roberton, F.E.M., Bradwell. (no publisher, 12 pages, n.d).
Springwater Historical Society, Memories and Milestones Springwater and District. (Altona, Manitoba: Friesen Printers, 269 pages, 1981)
ISBN: 0-88925-319-6

Taylor, Oran D., "The Great Ruby Rush Hoax". (essay written for Harris Museum, 13 pages, 1989).

Tebb, Lori-Ann & Lorna Harris, "In The Beginning - A History of Biggar". ( school essay, unpaginated, n.d. 43 pages).

The Celebrate Saskatchewan 1980 History Book Committee, From Then Until Now - R.M. 318 Herschel Stranraer. (Steinbach, Manitoba: Derkson Printers,869 pages, 1981)

The Independent, Welcome to Biggar - 2005 Biggar Community Directory. (Biggar: The Independent, 40 pages, 2005)

Thirsk Heritage Group, Thirsk Through The Years and Adjacent School District Alert and Triumph. (Rosetown: Rosetown Publishing Company Ltd., 99 pages, n.d.)

Photographs
Binders in Reading Room with photos classified as:
Families
Sports
Winter Sports - clippings from clippings
Farming
Royal Visit, Clubs, Churches, Railroad
Parades, Fairs, Celebrations, Lakes, Campgrounds
Pictorial Building of Museum
Individuals and Groups
Hospitals, Pools, Schools, Fires, Theatre, Bands
Biggar Views - Main Street, Avenues, Businesses, Biggar, Scotland
Schools
Military - includes several Honour Rolls
Locomotives

Research Aids
Birkett, Patricia, Checklist of Parish Registers 1986 ( National Archives of Canada) 4th edition, 205 pages, 1987
ISBN: 0-660-53863-6

Coderre, John E. & Lavoie, Paul A., List of Parish Registers Held at the Public Archives of Canada, (Ottawa Branch Ontario Genealogical Society), 84 pages, 1998

D’Arcy Hande & Pittendrigh, Robert L, Exploring Family History in Saskatchewan (Saskatchewan Archives Board), 24 pages, 1983 ISBN: 0-9691445-0-4

Editorial board, The Encyclopedia of Saskatchewan A Living Legacy, (Canadian Plains Research Center, Regina, Saskatchewan), 1072 pages, 2005
ISBN: 0-88977-175-8

Hillman, Thomas A., Census Returns 1666-1891, (Public Archives of Canada), 289 pages, 1987
ISBN: 0-660-53711-7

Hillman, Thomas A., Census Returns 1901, ( National Archives of Canada),196 pages, 1993
ISBN: 0-660-57410-1

MacDonald, Christine, Historical Directory of Saskatchewan Newspapers 1878-1983, (Saskatchewan Archives Board), 87 pages, 1984
ISBN: 0-9691445-3-9

Rand McNally, Rand McNally Road Atlas Rediscover America Edition, 1992

Indexes
Anonymous,Biggar Museum and Gallery Obituary File Index (Biggar Museum and Gallery), unpaginated, n.d.

Anonymous, Biggar Public School Register Index 1910-1924, unpaginated, n.d.

Anonymous, Biggar, Public School Register Index 1925-1929, unpaginated, n.d.

Anonymous, Biggar Public School Register Index 1930, unpaginated, n.d.

Anonymous, Biggar Public School Register Index 1930-1935, unpaginated, n,d,

Chamberlain, Rae W. , Births, Deaths, Marriages from The Independent, Biggar, Saskatchewan, 1913-1920, (Biggar Branch Saskatchewan Genealogical Society), 62 pages, 1997
ISBN: 1-895859-06-9

Chamberlain, Rae W., Births, Deaths, Marriages from The Independent, Biggar, Saskatchewan, 1921-1930,(Biggar Branch Saskatchewan Genealogical Society), 55 pages, 2005
ISBN: 1-895859-22-0

Chamberlain, Rae W., Births, Deaths, Marriages from The Independent, Biggar, Saskatchewan, 1931-1940,(Biggar Branch Saskatchewan Genealogical Society), 77 pages, 2006
ISBN: 1-895859-09-03

Chamberlain, Rae W., Obituary Index The Independent Biggar, Saskatchewan 1990 to 2005. (Biggar Branch Saskatchewan Genealogical Society) 28 pages, 2006

Chamberlain, Rae W., Obituary Index The Independent Biggar, Saskatchewan 1984 to 1989, (Biggar Branch Saskatchewan Genealogical Society) 16 p, 2000

Reids Funeral Home, Reids Undertaker Records (photocopies of original records c.1985), 2 binders

Microfilm
Microfilm of the Biggar newspaper, The Independent
The Biggar World,
Reel 1 - August 19, 1909 The Independent
Reel 1 - 1913 - June 1914
Reel 2 - July 1914 - 1916
continues with reels up to last year.

Newspaper Clippings
They have a binder with various newspaper clippings on curling, lighting, golf, police, telephones, and fires.

October 2007

Local History Books

rwchambe — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 17:38:36 CDT

This is a list of local histories which have been scanned and placed online which are from the Biggar area.

Click on to the highlighted title to view the book.

Once you have the book on the screen there will be a search box on the right hand side of the screen where you can search the whole book for references to a surname.

Czech Community between Biggar and Rosetown:
Rosetown, Saskatchewan: V. Nevay, 1980
Our Czech Heritage

Kelfield:
Kelfield, Saskatchewan: Kelfield History Book Committee, 1982
Portrait of a Community : Kelfield, Saskatchewan, Canada

Landis:
Landis, Saskatchewan: Landis Historical Society, 1980
The Landis Record

Ruthilda:
Unknown,
Our Blended heritage : Ruthilda and District, 1905-1980

Springwater:
Springwater, Saskatchewan: Springwater Historical Society, 1981
Memories and milestones : Springwater & districts